LI's red House members seeing green

Daily Point

LI reps lead GOP pushback on repeal of energy tax credits

Led by Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a group of 18 Republican House members including fellow Long Island Reps. Nick LaLota and Anthony D’Esposito wrote a pointed letter this week to Speaker Mike Johnson asking him to avoid "prematurely repealing" the energy tax credits that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Noting that many American companies are already using energy tax credits, the letter writers argued that stopping the credits could end ongoing development and adversely impact other private investment in green technology.

"A full repeal would create a worst-case scenario where we would have spent billions of taxpayer dollars and received next to nothing in return," Garbarino and his colleagues wrote.

The letter calls the IRA a "deeply flawed bill" but seeks "a different approach which will unite our party and promote conservative values."

The letter also helps GOP incumbents in purple districts get some cred on climate issues.

"We must reverse the policies which harm American families while protecting and refining those that are making our country more energy independent and Americans more energy secure," they wrote.

D’Esposito told The Point that he’s not supportive of everything in the IRA, but recognizes that there are American manufacturers that had counted on the tax credits.

"I don’t agree with everything in there, but I think that there’s an opportunity by sending this letter to again show that production in the United States should be more important and have consideration over our dependence on Chinese goods," D’Esposito said. "And I do agree with . . . the opportunity to make our homes and commercial buildings more energy efficient and the job production for local businesses that provides. And I think local businesses that are investing in that should receive some sort of tax benefit."

But the letter also illustrates some of the ongoing dissension within the Republican Party over how to handle the IRA. Former President Donald Trump supports a full repeal, as do some Republicans House members. But others recognize that it has already benefited some of their districts and know that they’re going to have to answer to voters who support the energy credits and other aspects of the bill.

Many of the Republican signatories on the letter, like freshmen D’Esposito and LaLota, are facing tough reelection battles. Other New Yorkers on the letter include Reps. Marc Molinaro and Mike Lawler. While every Republican voted against the IRA, some have voiced past support for the energy tax credits within it. Garbarino, who co-chairs the House Climate Solutions Caucus, has been particularly vocal.

The letter, first reported by Politico, comes as Johnson and other Republican leaders are looking ahead to next year, when they hope they’ll maintain control of the House. But even if they do maintain control, it’s likely the margin will still be a tight one, making those 18 votes — and particularly those of the three Long Islanders, if they all keep their seats — critical.

D’Esposito noted that earlier this week, Johnson attended a fundraiser with Garbarino and D’Esposito at the Glen Oaks Country Club in Old Westbury, an indication of how much Johnson values the Long Island Republicans.

"I think he realizes this isn’t just us shooting a flare gun into the sky," D’Esposito said. "This is us really speaking on behalf of neighbors and business owners who have relayed to us they have concerns."

— Randi F. Marshall randi.marshall@newsday.com

Pencil Point

A balancing act

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Final Point

Lafazan aims to get back on the map

Former Nassau County Legis. Josh Lafazan is spearheading a fundraiser next week for the Nassau County Democratic Committee that will raise money specifically for the Democrats’ court fight over a redistricting that led to Lafazan losing his seat in the county legislature.

Whether the fundraiser is a precursor to a return to politics for Lafazan, who lost his bid for reelection last year, remains to be seen.

The fundraiser invitation says the event, which will take place at Lafazan’s Woodbury home, will feature Democratic leaders Tom Garry, Jared Kasschau and David Mejias. Supporters can pay as little as $100 to attend, while a "titanium" sponsorship is available for a $5,000 donation.

Lafazan told The Point this week that more than 100 people are already registered to attend.

State and county Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs told The Point that to date, the party had been "laying out a good chunk of the money" for the court case.

"But anybody who wants to raise money, we’re going to let him run with it," Jacobs said. "There’s nothing in it for him. He’s just doing it to help the party."

"He wants to continue to stay involved and I want him to be involved and hopefully, I get him back into office soon," Jacobs said.

Lafazan, who now works for Northwell Health in the field of corporate social responsibility, told The Point that he has remained in contact with Jacobs since his election loss, often asking how he can help. Party officials, he said, reached out to him to ask him to help on the redistricting issue.

"My commitment to public service didn’t end December 31," Lafazan said. "It’s just transitioned to a new role."

Lafazan noted that the "outrageous" redistricting effort removed Syosset and Woodbury from his district — but that his concern wasn’t only because of the impact on his district, but because the map more broadly was "unfair."

Lafazan is now represented by county Legis. Arnie Drucker and state Assemb. Steve Stern. But some observers have suggested Drucker might run for a countywide office next year, in which case the legislative seat might open up. And if the lines are redrawn again, that, too, could change the political dynamic for Lafazan.

Lafazan, however, wouldn’t comment on his future plans.

"If there’s an opportunity for me to serve my neighbors, of course I’m going to look at it," Lafazan said.

— Randi F. Marshall randi.marshall@newsday.com

Programming Point

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