Michigan Senate Declines Vote on Gas Tax Suspension
The Michigan Senate declined to vote on a proposed 90-day gas tax holiday intended to provide relief as fuel prices reach $4.60 per gallon.
The Democratic-controlled Michigan Senate declined to vote on a proposal to temporarily suspend the state's 52-cent-per-gallon gas tax during its legislative session on Thursday. The proposed 90-day tax holiday was designed to provide consumer relief as fuel prices in Michigan climbed to between $4.50 and $4.60 per gallon, a surge driven by global oil disruptions and conflict with Iran.
Opponents of the measure, including the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, warned that the suspension would create an estimated $600 million deficit for road maintenance and infrastructure projects. State Representative Jamie Thompson criticized Democrats for failing to bring the legislation to a vote.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated her administration is exploring alternative ways to lower prices without pausing the tax, though she did not specify if she would veto such a bill. State House Speaker Matt Hall indicated that while he previously sought a revenue replacement for the lost tax funds, he would bring the measure to a House vote if it eventually passes the Senate.
