Assemblyman Thomas F. O’Mara (R,C-Horseheads) today applauded the state Senate’s approval of the gas sales tax cap that will provide New York’s motorists with some short-term relief at the pumps.

“I am pleased the Senate agreed to pass this legislation,” said O’Mara. “It will give motorists some needed financial relief, and it’s an important first step in reducing fuel costs.”

Sen. George H. Winner (R,C-Elmira) co-sponsored the legislation in the Senate, which passed, 58-0.

The bill, if signed into law by Gov. George Pataki, would take effect on June 1. It caps the state sales tax on gasoline at $2, or 8 cents, per gallon to give Southern Tier motorists some needed relief at the pumps. The Assembly passed the bill on Monday.

“Although the bill lacks provisions for creation of an Alternative Fuel Incentive Fund, as my Assembly minority colleagues and I have proposed, it is a first step in dealing with high fuel costs,” remarked O’Mara. “More needs to be done to provide New York with a long-term plan to deal with the fuel crisis. I will continue to work with Sen. Winner to reach this end.”