As gas prices continue to rise across Central New York, local lawmakers say the suspension of some gas taxes will relieve some of the pain at the pump, starting next month.
At Byrne Dairy gas station in East Syracuse, the price per gallon of regular gas is $4.89.
This is currently about the average price per gallon in Central New York.
Those hitting the road and traveling for Memorial Day weekend can expect to pay more to fill their tank.
When the state’s new budget takes effect on Wednesday, June 1, some of the state’s gas taxes will be suspended.
16 cents per gallon will be removed from the cost.
Senator John Mannion was joined by Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter to address what impact the tax suspension will have.
Mannion and Hunter say gas prices are hurting families, businesses, and the economy and something needs to be done.
“The suspension of New York State gas taxes will save New Yorkers approximately $600 million through the end of the year,” said Sen. Mannion. “It will remove 16 cents per gallon and state taxes from June 1 through December 31.”
“We would've loved to have been able to do it in advance of Memorial Day,” said Hunter. “Our tax structure is very complex. We were able to do this just with our portion. There’s obviously a lot of different taxes involved in pricing of gasoline.”
Although the change won't take effect before Memorial Day weekend, Mannion and Hunter say bringing the prices down just in time for the busy summer season will be beneficial.