State Rep. Maureen Bauer renews call 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 Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) is renewing calls for Governor Eric Holcomb to immediately suspend the state gasoline use tax and gasoline excise tax until July.

“The Republican supermajority has the power to suspend the gas tax and immediately help with the cost of living,” Bauer said. “We are calling on their leadership now when Hoosiers need representation and action the most. While the supermajority spent this year's session fighting national culture wars that no Hoosier wanted, I am confident that they can rise to this occasion to provide relief for Hoosier families.”

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.