State Rep. Vernon G. Smith calls for suspension of Indiana gas taxes

INDIANAPOLIS – With the average price of a gallon of regular gas reaching an all-time high of $4.56 nationwide, State Rep. Vernon Smith (D-Gary) is joining other Democratic legislators in their calls for Governor Eric Holcomb and his Republican colleagues in the Indiana General Assembly to suspend the state gas taxes. 

“The temporary suspension of these exorbitant gas taxes will lead to Hoosiers finally being able to travel again without worries of how they will pay their bills or feed their families,” Smith said. “Many are already struggling with rising rates of inflation – the last thing we need is more financial stress at the pumps. House and Senate Democrats have already paved a clear roadmap for how the Indiana Republican Party can resolve this issue, all they need to do now is find the will to do so.”

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 taxes until July on the last day of the 2022 legislative session.