Georgia gas tax reinstated as legislature urged to act
Gas prices in Georgia are about to go up as the state’s gas tax suspension comes to an end. The responsibility now falls on the Georgia legislature to take further action.
Governor Brian Kemp initiated the suspension of the gas tax, blaming “Bidenomics” for the high gas prices. He extended the suspension twice leading up to the current legislative special session.
In a statement, Kemp expressed his gratitude for the partnership of the General Assembly and their efforts to provide relief to families affected by “Bidenomics.” However, the gas tax suspension could only last until the next legislative session, which began on Wednesday and ended at 11:59 p.m. EST the same day.
As a result, Georgians will now have to pay an additional 31.2 cents per gallon of gas and 35 cents per gallon of diesel fuel. Despite this, Georgia still has gas prices lower than the national average. AAA reports that the average price per gallon of gas in Georgia is $2.793, compared to the national average of $3.246.
Governor Kemp called for the legislature to ratify his emergency declarations during the special session. However, he does not plan to ask lawmakers to pass legislation on the matter.
Moving forward, the options for the gas tax in Georgia include the legislature taking action or Governor Kemp declaring another state of emergency to suspend the tax until the regular legislative session in January. The governor has been discussing the next steps with state lawmakers.
What actions can the Georgia legislature take to address the increase in gas prices?
The end of the gas tax suspension in Georgia marks a significant change for residents of the state, as they can expect an increase in gas prices in the coming days. It now falls upon the Georgia legislature to take further action in order to address this issue.
Governor Brian Kemp, who had initiated the suspension of the gas tax, has attributed the high gas prices to what he called “Bidenomics”. He extended the suspension twice prior to the current legislative special session. Governor Kemp expressed his appreciation for the collaboration of the General Assembly and their efforts to provide relief to families affected by “Bidenomics”. However, the gas tax suspension had an expiration date and could only last until the next legislative session, which began on Wednesday and ended at 11:59 p.m. EST the same day.
Consequently, Georgians will now have to accommodate an additional cost of 31.2 cents per gallon of gas and 35 cents per gallon of diesel fuel. Despite this, Georgia’s gas prices are still lower than the national average. According to AAA, the average price per gallon of gas in Georgia stands at $2.793, compared to the national average of $3.246.
Governor Kemp urged the legislature to ratify his emergency declarations during the special session. However, he does not intend to request lawmakers to pass specific legislation regarding the matter.
Looking ahead, there are several possibilities for the gas tax in Georgia. One potential option includes the legislature taking action on this issue, while another possibility is Governor Kemp declaring another state of emergency to suspend the tax until the regular legislative session in January. Governor Kemp has been engaging in discussions with state lawmakers to determine the next steps in addressing this matter.
In conclusion, as the gas tax suspension in Georgia comes to an end, residents are bracing themselves for an increase in gas prices. The responsibility now rests on the Georgia legislature to devise a plan to address this issue and provide relief to families affected by the rising costs of fuel. Governor Kemp’s leadership and ongoing discussions with state lawmakers will be instrumental in determining the most viable approach moving forward.
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