DeWine Signs Bill Suspending Gas Tax; Relief Begins October 4
[COLUMBUS] Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 519 on October 1, suspending the state gasoline tax, with the relief taking effect October 4 — the first time in recent years Ohio has used a gas-tax suspension to counter high fuel prices, the Beacon Journal reported.
The bill bars wholesalers and retailers from passing the tax on to consumers during the suspension, with the state attorney general's office monitoring price pass-through at gas stations. The state estimates the pause will save typical drivers tens of cents per gallon.
DeWine said at the signing that volatile global oil prices have raised commuting and logistics costs, and suspending the gas tax is a direct, fast form of relief. The bill also directs the state transportation department to assess the road-maintenance funding gap during the suspension and propose alternative revenue sources.
Democratic lawmakers welcomed the relief but questioned the risk of a price rebound when the suspension ends; some transportation planners worry about long-term damage to the road fund.
(Source: Beacon Journal)
Source: Beacon Journal
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: CC BY 4.0（Wikimedia Commons，摄影：Harrison Keely）
