Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics Democratic New York state Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara March 21, called for a suspension of tolls on the state Thruway system during the summer months. The proposal was put forward as gas prices and inflation are pushing consumer prices upward for the foreseeable future. The bill backed by Santabarbara would set a toll holiday during the months of June, July, and August. “Typically the summer months are when most people make their travel plans and this savings will encourage tourism in our upstate areas,” he said. “These active months are important for local businesses and we must do all we can to encourage economic activity when they need it the most.” Santabarbara is urging state officials to use New York's surplus of federal aid to help cover the lost revenue from any suspension.  In response, the Thruway Authority said the proposed toll holiday would deprive the authority of much-needed revenue. In a separate measure, Santabarbara and state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for taxes on gasoline sales to be suspended. New York collects about $2 billion in gas tax revenue. A different proposal advanced last week by state Senate Democrats would suspend the gas tax from May 1 through the end of the year. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.