Millions of drivers could get a $250 rebate check to beat skyrocketing gas price hikes under the new plan

MILLIONS of drivers in New York could be lining up for a $250 rebate check amid the gas crisis.

Gasoline prices in the Big Apple are currently $4.32 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association.

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The figure is above the current national average of $4.22 per gallon.

State lawmakers are looking for ways to help New Yorkers beat skyrocketing prices.

Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, representing portions of Rockland and Westchester, proposed a $250 rebate check.

He said, “With gas prices hitting record highs almost every week, it’s critical that New York State takes every action to help people who are being squeezed at the gas pump.”

Other options remain on the table as the New York State Senate proposed a gas tax stay between May and December in its budget.

Officials hope around $648 million would be saved if a gas tax break were introduced.

New York has to approve its budget today – April 1st.

Meanwhile, struggling Californians may also be lining up for much-needed relief, as $400 debit cards and three months of free public transportation are among measures Gov. Gavin Newsom is proposing amid the gas crisis.

Californians could get $400 for every registered vehicle they own – limited to two cars.

The aid payments would total $9 billion.

Newsom said: “This direct relief will address the problem we are all struggling with – and that is the problem of gas prices.

“This package also focuses on protecting people from volatile gas prices and clean transportation.”

Americans could get debit cards with the amount as early as July if lawmakers approve the package.

State Republicans are believed to support a temporary suspension of state gas taxes.

Republican Assembly leader James Gallagher said: “People need relief now.

“We now have about four different competing plans among Democrats. These guys will negotiate against themselves for weeks to months and who knows what we’ll get.

Maryland lawmakers passed a 30-day freeze on gas taxes, ending April 16.

Governor Larry Hogan has since called for a longer stop.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also proposed a temporary suspension of the gas tax.

She said: “We can start by suspending VAT on fuel.

“A short-term hiatus is a fiscally responsible action we can take to offer drivers relief at the pump now – not next year – while protecting funding for road repairs and saving tens of thousands of well-paying construction jobs.”

At the federal level, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected calls for a gas tax holiday but promoted the idea of ​​rebates.

She said: “We want to reduce costs at the pump.

“We would hope that there would be a correlation between the drop in oil prices.”

Beginning May 1, the US will release 1 million barrels of crude oil a day for six months to reduce gas prices.

He said: “This is a moment of consequence and danger for the world and a pain at the pump for American families. It is also a moment of patriotism.”