As the original author of legislation to repeal the new two percent tax on utilities, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is pleased to report that his legislation has now gained the support of over two dozen, bipartisan members of the State Assembly. “I am pleased that so many of my colleagues have already signed on to support this important bill in such a quick period of time,” said Hawley. “It is good to know that members, from both sides of the aisle, can still come together over common-sense measures that benefit the people of our state and I look forward to their continued support when we return to Albany.” Assembly Bill 9098, authored by Hawley, will repeal in full the increased tax on utilities, which now totals 2 percent of a consumer’s bill. The tax increase was made as part of the enacted 2009-10 State Budget, which Hawley opposed. The newly increased tax went into effect on July 1, 2009 and will cost average homeowners an increase of $40 to over $200 annually. Hawley’s bill, A.9098, has been introduced and referred to the Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions for their review. With four members of this committee signed on to support this bill so far, and the growing support for the initiative with the public, Hawley is hopeful that the bill will be addressed when the Assembly is called back into session. “This winter is going to be tough for many New Yorkers, especially seniors here in Western New York, to afford their utilities. Already, in previous years, we have seen seniors forced to choose between food, prescriptions and heat. This increased tax compounds that problem and that’s why, before this winter, I hope that we can repeal this excessive tax,” said Hawley. The Assemblyman is not only working across the aisle to garner support for this bill, he is looking at both houses. As previously announced, State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer has agreed to carry the bill in the Senate and, together, he and Hawley are working to encourage more senators to support the bill as well. Members of the public who would like to see the 2 percent utility tax repealed should contact Assemblyman Hawley’s office to sign his petition, which will be delivered to the Governor. Residents also should write to the Chair of the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee, Richard Brodksy, and ask that he immediately take action on the bill. You can contact Assemblyman Brodsky by writing, calling or e-mailing at the following: