Lawmakers suspend gas tax for 90 days

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(The Center Square) – In a politically charged election year, the Ohio Legislature on Wednesday suspended the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel for 90 days as drivers grapple with soaring prices at the pump due to international events and other factors.

The suspension will cost the state treasury about $725 million and save individual motorists about $3 a week, according to lawmakers.

“Gov. [Mike] DeWine intends to sign the bill,” spokesman Dan Tierney told The Center Square.

Lawamkers passed the bill as an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect as soon as DeWine signs it, eliminating the 38.5-cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline and the 47-cents tax on diesel.

The purpose is to provide “immediate tax relief to Ohioans,” said Sen. Michelle Reynolds, R-Canal Winchester.

When gas and diesel prices rise, “families have to make difficult choices to make ends meet," said. Sen. Timkin, R-Jackson Township. “High gas and diesel prices affect everyone, from farmers harvesting their crops to truck drivers transporting goods to consumers at the grocery store. Everyone feels the economic pain of high gas prices.”

Opponents labeled the legislation a political stunt caused by U.S. military action in the Middle East which has caused oil prices to soar.

“Republicans have already made devastating cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and public education. Now they want to commit nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars against money they expect to have next June,” Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood, said. “Families will be living with the consequences of this recklessness long after the campaign signs come down.”

Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, sent a letter to Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon,raising concerns about his conflicts of interest in presiding over the Senate while serving as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

“On Wednesday, the Senate will take up S.B. 475, legislation announced last week by the Republican candidate for governor, with you at his side as his candidate for lieutenant governor. He has described your role on the ticket as a governing partner who will help advance his legislative agenda. That is a legitimate role for a running mate. It is not a role the presiding officer of the Ohio Senate should play from the chair,” read the letter.