by Rebecca Downs
While Ohio drivers are seeing increasingly high gas prices, state lawmakers just moved a step closer to providing some relief.
On Wednesday, both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly approved House Bill 519, temporarily suspending the state’s gas tax for 90 days, which could get drivers lower prices at the pump through the holiday season.
Ohio’s average price for a gallon of gas is $4.24 on Wednesday, according to AAA. A month ago, the average gas price per gallon in Ohio was $3.86. A year ago, Ohio’s average gas price per gallon was $2.99.
The Senate voted 26-5 without amendments or comments, followed by a 78-16 vote in the House.
Last week, Ohio Republicans in the Statehouse held a press conference to promote a plan that suspends the 38.5-cent gas tax and the 47-cent diesel tax.
Going along with the Republicans, Democrats in both chambers supported suspending the gas tax, which was particularly necessary in the House. Some Democrats also railed against it.
Both candidates running for governor, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and former Ohio health director Amy Acton, a Democrat, support suspending the tax. Ramaswamy on Wednesday posted on X, saying it was “disappointing to watch Democrats on the Ohio House floor right now arguing against the gas tax suspension.”
Ramaswamy said on social media that it was “great to see our legislature just enact the bill to suspend the gas tax, over the objections of 20 Democrats who voted against it.”
As he spoke last week about the plan, Ramaswamy said families with two drivers could expect “direct savings” of $165, while diesel truck drivers could expect a $1,800 savings.
The bill how heads to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who reportedly plans to sign the measure into law on Thursday. If signed by DeWine, the suspension of Ohio’s gas tax would immediately go into effect.
The Akron Beacon Journal noted that “the gas tax suspension was folded into House Bill 519, which penalizes having electronic devices used to digitally lockpick and steal cars.”
Ramaswamy, his running mate Senate President Rob McColley, as well as other speakers, had addressed the affordability concerns voters are facing ahead of this election. Supporters on the Right say money is there to suspend the gas tax, and they have credited fiscally responsible Ohio Republicans.
As the Akron Beacon Journal also pointed out, “GOP lawmakers found $725 million in surplus general revenue dollars to pay for the gas tax break. That money will ensure local and state construction projects aren’t stalled or cut off.”
Following the vote in the General Assembly, Ramaswamy, McColley, and Huffman addressed the gas tax suspension that same day.
“We were able to enact the fuel tax suspension, which directly puts money in the pockets of hardworking families,” Ramaswamy said, again reiterating saving costs.
Outside groups were also quick to applaud the move, including Americans for Prosperity-Ohio.
“AFP-OH applauds Vivek Ramaswamy and bipartisan leaders in the General Assembly for acting swiftly to pursue relief for Ohio families. Their leadership shows that bold, bipartisan action is possible when lawmakers remain focused on the challenges facing hardworking Ohioans,” said Americans for Prosperity-Ohio state Director Donovan O’Neil.
“A 90-day gas tax suspension can provide relief now, but it should also serve as a starting point for more permanent reforms,” O’Neil added. “Next session, Ohio has an opportunity to build on this momentum by exploring permanently lowering the gas tax, delivering meaningful property tax relief, and phasing out the state personal income tax. All priorities included in AFP-OH’s Buckeye Blueprint.”
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Rebecca Downs is an Ohio correspondent for the Daily Signal. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
