Latimer Wants To Temporarily Cap County Gas Sales Tax

WHITE PLAINS, NY — With rising gas prices and inflation making it difficult for Westchester residents to get around, County Executive George Latimer said he will introduce legislation to cap the county's collection of sales tax on gasoline to 12 cents per gallon.

That is equal to the cost of the tax with gas at $3 per gallon, he said.

Latimer also said the legislation would suspend fares on Bee-Line Buses.

If approved, the proposed gas tax cap will run from June 1 to November 30, he said, adding the directive on the bus fares does not require legislation. The suspended fares would run during the summer until a later date.

Latimer said capping the gas tax would help Westchester families stretch their budgets just a little bit further.

"Every single penny counts when making your family's budget," he said, "and we want to encourage residents to travel our count and enjoy their summers."

Latimer said that he realized that gas purchases do not impact all county residents equally, which is why he wants to suspend the Bee-Line Bus Service fares.

"Not every Westchester resident drives a car," he said," and rising costs in everyday life are impacting all of us. This brief fare respite is aimed at helping all residents have a little extra cash in their pockets this summer."

Officials said the proposed legislation capping the collection of sales tax on gas will now enter the Board of Legislators committee process. The suspension of bus fares only requires the county executive's approval.