Today’s gas tax hike is a painful reminder of Republican complacency
INDIANAPOLIS – As Indiana’s gas tax once again rises today (Nov. 1) to 74.5 cents per gallon, 56.1 cents of that in state taxes, Indiana House Democratic leaders remind Hoosiers that the price at the pumps is a direct effect of taxation implemented and maintained by the Indiana GOP. Democrats called for a pause on the state gas taxes back in March and renewed those calls as Hoosiers continued to struggle to make ends meet.
“Indiana Republicans like to spend more time talking about problems than solutions,” House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said. “It’s easy to gripe about the toughest issues facing our state and nation but coming up with answers takes real leadership. Democrats remain united in our determination to lower prices for families at the pump. It’s unconscionable that Hoosier families are not only suffering at the hands of Putin’s Price Hike, but the one ignorantly implemented and maintained by the GOP.”
“When I began our call to suspend the gas tax back in March, we knew that global supply chain issues were causing high inflation and rising gas prices across the world,” Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, said. “That’s why we fought to suspend the gas tax through the end of the year – to help Hoosiers get through a painful economic stretch. I will continue offering solutions to meet the moment.”
“Many Hoosier families are still struggling to make ends meet,” House Democratic Caucus Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) said. “We have an obligation to help maintain a quality of life for our constituents while simultaneously maintaining quality roads, schools and other necessities. However, we’ve heard crickets from state Republicans when it comes to dealing with the gas tax, while Democrats have offered solutions. Hoosiers deserve better. By suspending the gas tax when we originally called for it earlier this year, we could have given Hoosiers a fighting chance at getting back on their feet. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues chose to play partisan politics rather than serving their constituents.”
“Hoosiers aren’t looking for a handout, they’re looking for a hand up,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Terri Austin (D-Anderson) said. “Folks in my district are asking for solutions, which is why I supported the suspension of the state gas taxes. The size of our surplus means Hoosiers are overtaxed, and I fully support putting money back into the people’s pockets. It’s time for the majority party to realize that they also have a responsibility to working Hoosiers.”