(DCWatchdog.com) – U.S. gas prices are still extremely high. Across the U.S., lawmakers are trying to find solutions to make the price of gas more affordable, and some have even recommended a temporary pause on gas taxes. This would potentially give drivers temporary relief as gas prices are at record highs.
A temporary cut on the gas taxes has been agreed upon in Maryland and Georgia. This is a decision made after gas prices continued increasing after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. California is also currently considering a $400 rebate to help provide some relief.
In Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Tennessee, lawmakers are also trying to decide whether they should temporarily pause the state taxes on gas.
Conversations are also occurring at a Federal level as many members of Congress are calling for a suspension of the federal taxes on fuel.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican who suspended the state’s gas tax for 20 days, said on Friday, “This bipartisan action will provide some relief from the pain at the pump.” He also added, “This is, of course, not a cure-all, and market instability will continue to lead to fluctuations in prices, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to provide relief for Marylanders.”
Gov. Brian Kemp, from Georgia, also suspended the state’s tax until the end of May. This move will “ease the burden consumers are feeling at the pump,” Kemp said. “We are doing our part to lessen the impact on your wallet.”
However, not everyone is in favor of this course of action. Lucy Dadayan, a senior research associate at the Urban Institute, said, “The savings are going to be so minimal for everyday Americans.” She also noted that rebates would be a more effective approach than tax suspension.
