Don’t Double Our Gas Tax
Erie County Families, Commuters and Businesses Are Already Paying Enough at the Pump
Every trip to the gas station costs more than it should. When fuel prices rise, Erie County’s sales tax on gasoline rises too. That means drivers, families, small businesses and truckers end up paying more every time they fill up.
At a time when the cost of groceries, utilities and everyday essentials remains high, many Erie County residents believe taxpayers deserve relief at the pump—not higher tax bills tied to rising fuel prices.
Learn how Erie County’s gas tax works, what tax relief was proposed, and how you can make your voice heard.
Why Fuel Costs Matter
Gasoline prices affect more than your weekly fill-up. For many Erie County residents, fuel is a necessary expense. Whether you’re commuting to work, driving your children to school and activities, running a small business or transporting goods across the region, higher fuel costs can quickly add up.
When transportation costs increase, the impact can be felt throughout the local economy. Businesses face higher operating expenses, consumers have less money to spend elsewhere, and working families are forced to stretch already tight budgets even further.
Simply put, higher fuel costs affect everyone.
How Erie County’s Gas Tax Works
Erie County currently applies a percentage-based sales tax to gasoline purchases. Unlike a flat tax that remains the same regardless of fuel prices, a percentage-based tax increases as the price of gasoline increases. We have the highest percentage tax in the state which gives us the highest gas tax in the state.
That means:
- When gas prices rise, drivers pay more in taxes.
- The amount of tax collected increases along with fuel prices.
- Families and businesses feel the impact every time they fill up.
Many residents believe this creates an unfair burden during periods of high fuel prices, when household budgets are already under pressure.
Who Is Affected?
Commuters
For people who drive to work every day, even small increases at the pump can add up over the course of a month or year.Families
From school drop-offs and sports practices to grocery shopping and family activities, transportation is a major part of everyday life.Small Businesses
Contractors, service companies, delivery providers and other local businesses rely on vehicles to serve customers. Rising fuel costs increase operating expenses and can make it more difficult to remain competitive.
Truck Drivers and the Transportation Industry
Trucking helps keep goods moving throughout Western New York and beyond. Higher fuel costs can influence where drivers choose to stop and refuel, affecting local businesses and economic activity.
What Relief Was Proposed?
A proposal was introduced in the Erie County Legislature that would have provided relief by limiting the amount of county sales tax applied to gasoline purchases. Supporters argued that the measure would help reduce costs for residents and businesses during periods of elevated fuel prices.
The proposal did not pass.
While opinions differ on the best approach, the discussion highlighted a concern shared by many Erie County residents: when fuel prices rise, taxpayers should not be forced to pay even more through increasing sales taxes.
How Your Legislator Voted
District 2
Taisha St. Jean Tard
Not sure who to call? Find your local representative here.
District No. 1: Hon. Lawrence J. Dupre
District Office: 1367 Fillmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14211
Phone: 716-842-0490; Fax: 716-854-5722
Email: Lawrence.Dupre@erie.gov
District 1 website
District No. 2: Hon. Taisha St. Jean Tard
District Office: 2495 Main Street, Suite 450, Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-895-1849; Fax: 716-895-1910
Email: taisha.st.jeantard@erie.gov
District 2 website
District No. 3: Hon. Michael H. Kooshoian
District Office: 100 Commonwealth Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216
Phone: 716-832-0493; Fax: 716-832-0494
Email: Michael.Kooshoian@erie.gov
District 3 website
District No. 4: Hon. John A. Bargnesi, Jr.
Legislative Office: 2165 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14223
Phone: 716-871-5905; Fax: 716-871-4122
Email: John.BargnesiJr@erie.gov
District 4 website
District No. 5: Hon. Jeanne M. Vinal
Legislative Office: 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8856; Fax: 716-858-8895
Email: Jeanne.Vinal@erie.gov
District 5 website
District No. 6: Hon. Christopher D. Greene
Legislative Office: 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8676; Fax: 716-858-8818
Email: Christopher.Greene@erie.gov
District 6 website
District No. 7: Hon. Timothy J. Meyers
District Office: 3485 Harlem Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Phone: 716-833-3054; Fax: 716-833-0514
Email: Timothy.Meyers@erie.gov
District 7 website
District Office: 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-681-2071; Fax: 716-858-8818
Email: Frank.Todaro@erie.gov
District 8 website
District No. 9: Hon. John J. Gilmour
Legislative Office: 5630 Camp Rd, Lower, Left, Hamburg, NY 14075
Phone: 716-649-2162; Fax: 716-649-2406
Email: John.Gilmour@erie.gov
District 9 website
District No. 10: Hon. Lindsay Lorigo
Legislative Office: 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8922; Fax: 716-858-8818
Email: Lindsay.Lorigo@erie.gov
District 10 website
Legislative Office: 92 Franklin St., 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8850; Fax: 716-858-8818
Email: John.Mills@erie.gov
District 11 website