(Long Island, NY) Chris McGrath, Republican candidate for the Special Election in New York State Senate’s Ninth District, pledged today to fight against the outrageous proposed National Grid rate hike outlined in the Saturday, February 13th edition of Newsday.
According to the proposal, National Grid is proposing a $142 million rate increase through a 22% increase in its electricity delivery charge. This equates to an average increase of $15.70 per month. National Grid will also be shifting its $356,000 annual electricity bill onto its gas customers.
“This shocking proposal, will hurt our suburban middle class families and seniors, who live on fixed incomes, the most. Long Islanders should not be forced to pay for National Grid’s electricity bill—something National Grid should be paying for out of its own profits,” said McGrath.
McGrath noted that in 2009 and 2010, when the Senate Democrats from NYC were in charge of the State Senate, taxes, fees and rate increases like this were all too normal.
“When the NYC Democrats were in charge of the entire State Government in 2009 and 2010, they raised 18a, an energy tax surcharge on utility bills by 500%. This surcharge tax has hurt our suburban families, seniors and hurt small businesses who need to grow and create jobs,” continued McGrath.
The Senate Democrats also increased taxes by $14 Billion and increased spending by another $14 Billion. They created 124 brand new taxes and fees for all of us to pay including the MTA Payroll Tax, eliminated property tax rebate checks and shifted Long Island school aid to NYC.
“If I am elected as our next State Senator, I promise to do everything in my power to make sure increases like these never happen,” concluded McGrath.
Chris McGrath is a candidate for the New York State Senate (SD-9.) He is not a politician, has never before run for elected office, and is a lifelong resident of the district. Chris has spent the majority of his career and personal life giving back to people in need. Following the devastating attacks of 9/11, Chris’s firm represented, pro-bono, the brave men and women who were first responders who helped in the search and recovering efforts at Ground Zero. As a member of the community, Chris, is involved in many civic and charitable organizations. He is a distinguished past president of Peninsula Kiwanis, creating the organization’s foundation for underprivileged and handicapped children. www.ChrisMcGrathForSenate.com.
