Many Long Island residents face high water utility bills, and Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick is addressing this issue. Residents are affected by a “special franchise” tax imposed on privately owned water-works corporations. This tax is directly passed onto the consumers through their bills. “Water is a necessity, and because certain residents cannot choose public water as their provider, it unfairly increases water utility bills for the New Yorkers who must utilize a private water company,” explained Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.
To address this, the Senator introduced Senate Bill 3175, aimed at excluding privately owned water-works corporations like Liberty Water from the Special Franchise Tax. This tax elimination could potentially reduce customer water bills by more than 30%. “As I continue through the 2025 Legislative Session, it is essential that we continue to push for this legislation to ensure its benefits are realized for our community,” she added.
