ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland’s state coffers are filled with cash, according to Governor Larry Hogan and now he wants to pause the state’s gas tax. Hogan said with a budget surplus reported today, it’s time to temporarily suspend the gas tax until the Biden fuel crisis ends.
“Today’s incredible revenue estimates increase our already record surplus and reinforce the fact that Maryland continues to have one of the strongest recoveries in America,” Hogan said. “This report further proves that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance substantial tax relief for our families, small businesses, and retirees. People across the country are being squeezed by surging inflation on everything from gas to groceries—Marylanders, especially our retirees, deserve and need this relief.
Hogan said as prices continue to rise for Maryland drivers at the gas pump due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and President Joe Biden’s war against the American oil and energy industries, he’s hoping the legislation will support his gas tax suspension.
“In addition, at this time of global uncertainty due to Russian aggression, we are working with our legislative partners on an emergency suspension of the gas tax to help with the pain at the pump. We also support ongoing efforts in the legislature to suspend automatic increases in the gas tax,’ Hogan said. “And I have called on the Biden administration to increase domestic energy production to help lower costs. Now more than ever, we must come together to take bold, bipartisan action.”