States Pause Gas Taxes Amid Soaring Prices

0:00Gas prices are topping $4 a gallon nationwide, sparking talks among officials about pausing state fuel taxes to ease the pain at the pump. So far, two states have jumped in. Georgia kicked off a 60-day hold on its 33-cent gas tax right after Governor Brian Kemp signed it on. March 20th. Utah followed quick, with Governor Spencer Cox trimming six cents off their 38-cent tax, but that six-month cut won't hit until July 1. Retailers typically add about $0.38 per gallon on top of wholesale costs, though their take home after expenses is way less. Oil barrel prices have been wild since the war kicked off late February, swinging the equivalent of $0.40 a gallon daily. That's why some leaders, like Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, aren't rushing back in. He tried his suspension in 2022 and said drivers, barely felt the relief. Folks are split on the moves. In Maryland, Republicans pushed a 30-day pause, but Democrats in charge shot it down, citing

1:02a potential $100 million gap in, transportation funds. Connecticut Democrats are eyeing their $330 million emergency stash to cover a one-month break on the 25-cent tax, calling it a smart play against federal fallout. The big catch? Gas Tax's bankroll, road repairs and builds, and pulling them could leave $800 million for short nationwide without shuffling other cash. Officials worry it'll delay key projects already in line. As debates heat up, states waste surpluses against real relief, but many say ending the conflict is the surest fix to drop those pump numbers for. Good. I'm Corey with The Story. That's your Canada News Today update, AI powered and always on.