House Republicans Champion 90-Day Gas Tax Holiday for Ohioans

State Representatives Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Jim Thomas (R-Plain Township) today announced that the Ohio House concurred on Senate changes to House Bill 519, legislation that now includes an amendment to temporarily suspend Ohio’s State Gas Tax for 90 days, providing real relief to Ohioans as fuel costs continue to rise. 

“This initiative is one of the many pieces of legislation our Caucus has focused on to deliver relief. We didn’t just make a plan; we followed through and passed a bill to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Ohioans,” said Speaker Matt Huffman. “I’m grateful to Andrea White and Jim Thomas for their leadership on this particular piece of legislation, and for their continued work to lower the costs for families across the state.” 

“The pain that people are feeling at the pump and in the pocketbook is real, and it's not letting up. There's a lot we can't control at the state level, but what we can do is suspend the gas tax of 38.5 cents a gallon and the diesel tax of 47 cents a gallon with an emergency clause to bring relief immediately," said Rep. White. “That savings per gallon will add up quickly for Ohio drivers, truckers and farmers, schools and businesses. I’m happy that we can provide this relief for all Ohioans.

“This commonsense legislation will benefit every Ohio driver,” said Thomas. “Thanks to the responsible budgeting of Republican leadership, we were able to answer the call for help that will immediately benefit Ohioans.”

Sub. House Bill 519 would go into effect in early October, providing Ohioans with $725 million in relief leading into the holiday season. Importantly, these savings will be achieved while providing uninterrupted access to funds for state and local road maintenance and construction. The bill appropriates general revenue funds (GRF) to replenish affected fuel-tax revenues. 

“The rise in fuel prices not only impacts individual consumers at the pump but affects every industry that is fueled by diesel, including our farmers, our schools, our manufacturers and businesses, and our transportation, airline and logistics sectors,” White noted.  “Increased diesel costs show up again in the price of groceries, building materials, Amazon orders, and virtually every part of the supply chain.  For example, many farmers will save literally thousands as they deliver their crops and traverse Ohio roads this harvest season. Acting now will bring a ripple effect on future pricing down the road.”

This initiative is part of the Ohio House Republicans’ broader efforts to lower the cost of everyday life for Ohioans. House Republicans have championed several pieces of legislation aimed at providing relief since the beginning of the General Assembly, including cutting state income taxes with a new flat rate, passing a slate of bills to provide over $4 billion in property tax relief over the next three years, expanding access to publicly funded child care and preschool, and renewing the expanded summer sales tax holiday.  

Sub. House Bill 519 now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.