Relief needed for high energy costs
County should help residents combat soaring prices by suspending sales tax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 22, 2007

Contact: George Oros, Tel: (914) 995-2828

Westchester County Legislator George Oros (R, C/Cortlandt) is urging county officials to help taxpayers with escalating energy costs by signing legislation suspending Westchester’s sales tax on home heating oil and natural gas.

With the average price of a gallon of home heating oil in the county nearing $3 and no signs of any significant decreases in the near future, Oros is calling on his county colleagues to help residents during the coldest months of the year—December, January and February.

“The use of heating oil and natural gas is essential to working families, businesses and industry in Westchester County,” Oros said. “This legislation will not bankrupt the county but could significantly help residents and business owners get through one of the costliest times of the year.”

Oros made a similar proposal last winter but failed to receive support from the majority of his colleagues.

“Let’s not make the same mistake twice,” Oros said. “Many families are struggling to make ends meet and this small effort by the county could be the difference between filling up a tank or putting food on the table.”