LONG ISLAND LEADERS: WITH GLOBAL COSTS RISING FOR DRIVERS, LEGISLATURE MUST ACT NOW TO LOWER AUTO INSURANCE
At West Babylon Gas Station, Advocates Highlight Affordability Crisis for LI Families and Back Plan to Deliver $200 in Savings to Drivers
WEST BABYLON – As global tensions, instability tied to Iran, rising tariffs, and increasing gas prices continue to drive up the cost of everyday life, Long Island leaders gathered today at a West Babylon gas station with a clear message: while Albany can’t control global forces, the State Legislature can – and must – act now to pass the Governor’s plan to lower auto insurance costs and return money directly to New York drivers.
Faith leaders, community advocates, small business owners, and residents stood at the pumps to highlight the growing financial strain facing Long Island families, where driving is not optional, but essential to daily life.
Beyond rising gas prices, New Yorkers are paying over $4,000 annually on average for auto insurance – among the highest in the country, adding another major burden to already stretched household budgets.
“Albany has the power to act right now. The State Budget is the most direct tool to deliver relief to drivers, and the Governor’s commonsense reforms are already on the table. We are talking about putting hundreds of dollars back in the pockets of families squeezed by $5-a-gallon gas. These reforms don’t require more study; they require lawmakers to show up and get it done. People deserve relief now,” said Rev. Conrad Tillard, Senior Minister, Congregational Church of South Hempstead
“Families are getting hit from all sides – global wars, tariffs, and rising gas prices are all driving through the roof,” said Long Island business leader Sagine Pierre Charles. “Albany can’t control what happens overseas, but the Legislature can pass the Governor’s proposal to lower auto insurance costs and put hundreds of dollars back in people’s pockets.”
Advocates pointed to the Governor’s proposal to strengthen New York’s excess profits protections, which require insurers to return excess profits to policyholders rather than keeping them. If fully enacted, independent experts say the plan would deliver direct relief, putting $200 or more back into the pockets of drivers.