Lawmakers in Albany are debating a bill that would raise the tax on gasoline by as much as 55 cents a gallon.

Long Island Assemblyman Fred Thiele is a co-sponsor of the bill, which would raise taxes on gasoline and other fuels like oil and natural gas. Currently, California has the highest gas taxes in the nation at about 62 cents a gallon. New York is No. 7 on the list with a tax of 43 cents, but if the bill passes that would go up another 55 cents.

Nassau County lawmakers warn that the gas tax would increase the cost of transportation and groceries.

"These taxes will have a devastating impact on our middle class, which is already struggling," says Nassau Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello.

Thiele says the bill is still being debated and that he would support some sort of relief for lower income New Yorkers.

"I certainly favor a progressive approach where we are not putting a burden on those who could least be able to afford it," says Thiele.

The bill is currently in committee in Albany.