Avella To Present Flat Gas Tax Plan

In a time when gas prices have roused polemicists of all political stripes on the national level, one local politician will be presenting a plan he says will alleviate some of the pain at the pump.

, D-Bayside, is set to present a new piece of legislation on Friday that would force New York City to calculate and impose a flat gas tax of a few cents per gallon.

Right now, his office says New York City motorists are paying a 4.357 percent per gallon price, in New York City, on top of the New York State flat tax of a constant 8 cents per gallon.

"With the rapid increase in gas prices, the City is receiving an undeserved windfall tax revenue at the expense of its commuters," Avella's office said in a statement.    

The flat tax figure—or what would happen when gas prices decrease—has yet to be revealed, but some consumers at the thought any amount of savings would help.

Tommy Karagounis, who at 17, just got his license, said the little bit would help him; he pays for his own gas.

The manager of the station, Khomdaker Zaman, agreed. "Even a single penny now matters a lot," said Zaman, when it comes to gas prices.

But for other drivers, a few cents shaved off the cost of fuel wouldn't faze them either way.

"It wouldn't make any difference to me—my company pays for it," said one motorist who only identified himself as Nick.

Avella is announcing the details of his plan at 11a.m. on Friday, April 13, at Kramer’s Service Station, 15730 Willets Point Boulevard, in Flushing.