Assemblyman Thomas F. O’Mara (R,C-Horseheads) today voted for two pieces of legislation that will help reduce fuel prices at the pump.

O’Mara voted in favor of legislation to cap the state sales tax on gasoline at $2.00 to give motorists in the Southern Tier much-needed relief at the pump. In addition to capping the gas sales tax at $2.00, Assemblyman O’Mara voted in favor of legislation that would increase the penalties for price gouging and more clearly define price gouging making it easier to bring legal action against price gougers.

Today’s agreement is a first step towards reducing fuel cost for New Yorkers,” said O’Mara. “I am relieved that Sheldon Silver has decided to stop dragging his feet on this important issue. New York motorists are in desperate need of relief at the pump even more so now as the summer draws near.”

Assemblyman O’Mara and his minority colleagues have been hammering away on the issue in recent weeks. In addition to the April 11th vote, they held a press conference on May 5th calling for a two-step measure to provide relief and started a statewide petition drive to build grassroots support. “We have chipped away at the opposition forcing them to the negotiation table and into agreement,” said O’Mara. “It is a first step towards lower gas prices for New York motorists.”

The cap on the state sales tax and protections against price gouging are part of Assemblyman O’Mara’s plan to reduce gas prices at the pump. The second part of his plan is the Alternative Fuel Incentive fund that would promote research, development, and use of alternative fuels. “The Alternative fuel fund will enable a larger section of the population to use alternative fuel thereby decreasing the demand for gasoline.” The fund would be financed by half of the remaining sales tax revenue on gasoline.

“New York needs to turn the gas crisis into an economic opportunity,” remarked O’Mara. “The Alternative Fuel Incentive fund has the potential to make New York a national leader in alternative energy.” O’Mara added that by doing so it will bring jobs and opportunities to the state’s farming and manufacturing sectors, two important parts of the Southern Tier economy.”

In addition, the gas cap bill also creates a personal income tax credit of 50% of the cost (not exceeding $500) of replacing home heating systems. The credit is applicable to heating systems bought between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007.