Indianapolis House Democrats renew calls for governor to suspend gas tax, provide immediate relief to Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS - With Indiana’s gasoline taxes reaching the highest in state history, State Reps. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) and Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) are renewing calls for Governor Eric Holcomb to immediately suspend the state gasoline use tax and gasoline excise tax until July.

“I heard a lot during this year’s session about the importance of giving people their money back by way of other tax cuts – which is why I’m confused by my Republican colleagues’ reluctance to suspend the gas tax during a time of record-high prices,” DeLaney said. “We’re exceeding our numbers on overall sales tax revenue, so the state doesn’t need this money. Either the governor should use his authority to suspend the tax or the General Assembly should do so ourselves during Technical Corrections Day on May 24. It’s what struggling Hoosier families need and deserve.”     

“Despite high inflation and rising gas prices, state revenues appear to be reaching even higher levels than previously predicted, putting us in a financial position as a state to suspend the gas tax and make up for lost road repair funding with our windfall,” Porter, ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, said.

“I’ve previously proposed adding $100 to the Automatic Tax Refund 4.3 million Hoosiers will be receiving soon as another means to this end. We know how to get this done. At this point, it’s simply a matter of political will.” 

“Quality of life is tied to the cost of living,” Pryor said. “Responsibly suspending the gas tax to help Hoosiers save some money at the pump will improve quality of life for Indiana residents at a time when so many people are struggling.” 

There would be precedent for Governor Holcomb taking such an action. In June 2000, Governor 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.