Andrade, Harris and Jackson renew calls for governor to suspend gas tax, provide immediate relief to Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS - With Indiana’s gasoline taxes hitting 74.5 cents per gallon this month, State Reps. Mike Andrade (D-Munster), Earl L. Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) and Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) are renewing calls for Gov. Eric Holcomb to immediately suspend the state gasoline use tax and gasoline excise tax until July.

“It’s unacceptable for our state to continue profiting when Hoosiers are hurting right now,” Andrade said. “Every time Hoosiers pay at the pump, our state reaps revenue dollars. My Republican colleagues have celebrated Indiana’s historic $5 billion surplus – so why not put it to work for everyday Hoosiers? Either Gov. Holcomb must suspend the gas tax temporarily or the General Assembly should take action to do so on Technical Corrections Day in a few weeks.” 

“As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, it’s important to me that we act in the best interest of Hoosier families while doing so responsibly,” Harris said. “Our plan to temporarily suspend the gas tax does just that by using our budget surplus to make up for lost road funding.”  

“Hoosiers deserve the ability to save money and put food on the table for their families,” Jackson said. “Suspending the gas tax would give Hammond residents a bit of a break at the pump and is needed now more than ever. We have $5 billion in reserves – let's act to put Hoosiers' money back in their pockets.”

There would be precedent for Gov. Holcomb taking such an action. In June 2000, Gov. Frank L. O’Bannon temporarily suspended the state gasoline tax for two months. Other states across the country, including Georgia and Maryland, have taken steps to temporarily suspend their gas tax and provide relief for consumers.

Republicans rejected House and Senate Democrats’ proposal to suspend the gasoline tax until July on the last day of the 2022 legislative session.