Georgia’s Gas Tax Suspension Set to End this Wednesday
Georgians have been enjoying savings at the gas pump since September, thanks to Governor Brian Kemp suspending the state’s gas tax. That’s about to change this week though.
According to state law, the governor can suspend the collection of taxes during a state of emergency, as long as lawmakers approve it the next time they meet.
The next legislative session was originally scheduled for January 8, but Kemp called a special session on November 29 to redraw Georgia’s congressional and state legislative districts. That move is on the heels of a federal judge ruling that some districts in the state dilute the voting power of Black voters.
Kemp could ask lawmakers to extend the gas tax suspension during this week’s special session. He could also declare another state of emergency after the session ends and resume waiving the gas tax until after the new year begins.
Georgians have not been paying the 31.2 cents per gallon sales tax on gasoline and 35 cents per gallon on diesel fuel Since September. Kemp said he wanted to give Georgians a break at the gas pump to help them deal with inflation and tough economic conditions heading into the holiday season.
“I’m proud this action has helped keep millions of dollars in hardworking Georgians’ pockets,” said Kemp.
Meanwhile, pump prices in Georgia have been falling steadily each week for the past two months, according to Montrae Waiters, AAA Auto Club Group spokeswoman.
“Despite high Thanksgiving road travel, gas prices remained under $3.00 for Georgians. Governor Kemp’s suspension of the gas tax until November 29, and lower crude oil prices continue to be the driving forces reducing prices at the pump,” said Waiters.
The state average price in Georgia today is $2.79 a gallon, but as low as $2.47 at some stations in Augusta.
It now costs an average of $41.85 to fill a 15-gallon tank of regular gas, which is roughly $3.75 less than last year at this time.
