Orange County is feeling the direct impact of an incompetent administration in Washington. Donald Trump’s destabilizing war in Iran has sent fuel prices skyrocketing nationwide, creating an affordability crisis that is squeezing the middle class.
We believe local government should be a shield, not a sponge. Legislator Stephen Hunter and the Democratic Caucus introduced a fiscally responsible plan to cap the County’s portion of the sales tax on gasoline at $3.00/gallon. This plan ensures that when gas prices surge due to global instability, the County doesn't get a "windfall" off your back. It’s a common-sense measure already adopted by Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, and Rockland counties to provide immediate relief to workers and small businesses.
Despite the clear need for relief, every Republican on the County Legislature voted "NO." They are clinging to the extra tax revenue generated by these record-high prices, choosing to pad the county coffers while your family budget shrinks.