Since the price of gas has been going up (about $3.10-15 for me), politicians have been putting on a show as though they are trying to get to the bottom of the situation.

Yeah, whatevah!

Well the residents of Albany, NY have come up with a great idea–suspend the state gas tax! Here’s the article:

====

AAA Hudson Valley, and AAA Northway, which represent 250,000 Albany, N.Y.-area residents, are urging state lawmakers to suspend the state’s 4 percent sales gasoline sales tax in order to provide some price relief to motorists.

“The burden on motorists in the form of taxes and fees is extremely heavy in New York state,” said Eric Stigberg, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Northway. “Relief would be welcomed by motorists, help increase tourism and benefit the upstate New York economy.”

Paper petitions are located in AAA offices and the petitions can be printed out by logging onto www.aaahv.com.

Combined state and federal taxes add 60 cents to the cost of a gallon of gasoline. The state’s share is 16 to 30 cents of that amount, depending on pump price. The four percent sales tax comes on top of the state business petroleum tax, and both state and federal excise taxes. (more…)

====

Do the math. If roughly 60 cents can be shaved off the price of gas during this time, I’m all for it. Of course you know politicians will not go for this idea because it takes their hands out of the pot–the way it should be in the first place.

So if your state and local representatives are one of the ones holla’n about a possible investigation into price gouging, check and see if there is a similar petition going on in your area. If not, start one.

P.S. Don’t be surprised if politicians try to directly tie gas tax revenue to an emotional issue like education or healthcare.