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MACOMB, Mich. – Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates debated several topics Tuesday night.
One that came up was a state gas tax suspension.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she is open to suspending the state gas tax, but tied the current spike in fuel prices partly to international conflict.
“Yes, I’m open to suspending the state gas tax,” Benson said. “But I also think we need to be clear how we got here, it’s because of a reckless war in Iran that my opponent has voted six times to support.”
Congressman John James backed a suspension more directly, emphasizing the immediate impact on drivers.
“Yes, 52 cents off of the gallon would actually take us down to the threes,” James said. “This is just another example where my opponent used a whole bunch of words and didn’t say anything.”
According to the state of Michigan, the gas tax is roughly 52 cents per gallon, with some that revenue going towards things like state highways, county roads and other transportation projects. AAA reports the average price of gas in Michigan is about $4.40 per gallon. Removing the 52-cent state tax would drop the average price to about $3.88.
The Tax Foundation released a report, that stated in July Michigan has the sixth-highest gas tax in the country. Neighboring Ohio ranked 14th.
On the streets, many drivers said they would welcome any relief.
“I feel like it would help out a lot more,” said driver Amber Renzy, who supports the idea of a gas tax suspension. “Gas prices are high. A lot of people aren’t working or they’re out of a job, and sometimes getting gas, to get people back and forth to school and daily routines is kind of hard with the gas prices.”
Another driver, Brian, also favored a suspension.
“Any type of relief from the pumps, whether it be tax or other kind of credits people can come up with, would definitely benefit the drivers,” he said, adding that “the quicker it gets down to $2.50, $3.00, I’ll be happy.”
Not everyone believes suspending the tax would make a meaningful difference.
“Actually, it does nothing. Does nothing,” said driver Angel Smith, who questioned the proposal. “It’s still expensive as eagle stuff. Okay.”
Earlier this month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she would support a federal gas tax holiday. And Monday when asked about suspending state gas taxes, she called it unlikely and said “The odds of they happening don’t look very realistic.
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