ANNAPOLIS, Md — Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland lawmakers have agreed to a 30 day pause of the state's gas tax, to help with skyrocketing prices at the gas pump.
The Governor justified the emergency action, by citing the state's $7.5 billion budget surplus.
“This report further proves that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance substantial tax relief for our families, small businesses, and retirees. People across the country are being squeezed by surging inflation on everything from gas to groceries—Marylanders, especially our retirees, deserve and need this relief," said Hogan.
Today I am announcing that, at this time of global uncertainty, we are working on an emergency suspension of the gas tax to help with the pain at the pump. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/BMwZzWILYB
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 10, 2022
He is also looking to state legislators to find a way to suspend automatic increases in the gas tax.
During Thursday's State Board of Estimates meeting, Comptroller Peter Franchot agreed with a gas tax holiday, but said he wanted it to last for three-months.
Franchot also wants the surplus in the state budget to go towards more stimulus money.
He wants nearly half-a-million low income families in Maryland to be issued $2000 survival checks.
Senate President Bill Ferguson and Speaker Adrienne Jones also issued statements regarding the suspension of the State Gas Tax.
Marylanders need help now, and we are standing together to provide that assistance by suspending the Maryland gas tax for 30 days.
During the last month, Marylanders have seen gas prices increase exponentially, compounding existing rising costs.
Increased revenue projections for this year and next year give us the flexibility to provide immediate relief to families.
This swift action will help ease the financial burden on everyday Marylanders while keeping the pressure on Vladimir Putin and the Russian oligarchs who have enabled him.
We look forward to working with the Governor in the coming days to relieve the pressure on Marylanders’ pocketbooks while ensuring our long-term fiscal health.
