LANSING, Mich. — State Sen. Kevin Daley recently supported legislation that seeks to combat rising fuel costs and provide relief to Michigan motorists at the gas pump.
“Folks need help now,” said Daley, R-Lum. “Costs are rising out of control and people can’t keep up with trips to the store or taking their kids to school. Families are making tough choices all around and we have an opportunity to act and provide some meaningful relief.”
The state of Michigan currently imposes a 27.2 cents per gallon excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, and the price of both fuels are subject to Michigan’s 6% sales and use taxes.
Senate Bill 1029 would suspend the state’s excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel from June 15 to Sept. 15. It would also provide $300 million for local governments to cover revenue lost during the gas tax suspension. SBs 972, 973 and 974 would suspend the state’s 6% sales and use taxes on motor fuel for the same time period.
Suspending the excise and sales taxes on gasoline is estimated to save Michigan drivers 51 cents per gallon at the pump.
According to AAA, on June 1, the average price per gallon for regular gasoline in Michigan was $4.70 and the average diesel price was $5.30 — both of which are the highest recorded average in the state’s history.
“We approved a measure to lower taxes for Michigan workers and seniors and are continuing to look at ways we can help families across the state. I think this is a good way to help get some money back into people’s pockets as we’re seeing record gas prices what seems like every few days,” Daley said.
“This will help ease costs at the pump as we approach the tourism season that so many communities across the state rely on, and for the farmers who are battling rising costs across the board to keep food on our plates.”
The bills have been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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