June 2, 2022
Governor also submits letter to Kentucky’s Attorney General on possible additional steps
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 2, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration filed an emergency regulation to freeze the state gas tax and to prevent a 2-cent increase per gallon that would have taken effect July 1.
“Kentuckians cannot afford to pay more, and I am committed to doing everything I can to help keep more dollars in people’s pockets,” said Gov. Beshear. “This law was never intended to hurt Kentuckians during tough times, but with rising prices and inflation, this increase would have a negative impact on our families and it is time to take action.”
The state gas tax is set by statute, both in its rate and how it is calculated. The current rate of 26 cents was set to increase under a trigger, resulting in a price hike on both regular and diesel fuel. The Governor has looked for ways to relieve the financial burden on Kentuckians and asked the Department of Revenue to file this emergency regulation.
The funds collected through the state gas tax contribute to the Road Fund, which year to date is up 2.3%. Over the first seven months of the fiscal year, this action will reduce the budgeted Road Fund revenues by 1.6%. To make up for the lost road fund revenues, Gov. Beshear will propose using funds from the upcoming General Fund budget surplus. The budget for next year also includes a 21% increase in transportation infrastructure dollars from the federal government.
“This action to provide relief to Kentuckians will have no material impact on the transportation budget and projects,” Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray said. “All projects will move forward.”
The Governor also sent a letter to Attorney General Daniel Cameron today asking for advice on whether he should declare a state of emergency in order to activate the price gouging statute and further protect Kentuckians.
In addition to the executive regulation filed today, the Governor signed an executive order in February that immediately stopped an increase in vehicle property taxes caused by soaring used car values and proposed a 1% state sales tax cut that the legislature failed to act on. He also wrote a letter to federal leadership, calling on them to suspend the federal gas tax until the end of the year.
A what would’ve been a 2¢ per gal increase doesn’t really soothe the pain of paying $4.59 per gal at the pump.
How about elimination of the current gas tax until this crisis is over? That would be a big help that motorists can actually feel in their wallets now.
Maybe if we were energy independent. Miss Trump Yet ?
Hey lets shut down all pipelines and drilling . Oil is a fossil fuel isnt it? Obamas war on coal. Bidens war on oil. Thanks Joe.
TAMU poll ranks Biden 7th best POTUS ever…
Hard to believe, but… From a total of 46 US Presidents: Biden is rated as the 7th best. The Texas A&M’s Public Relations Office released this statement: “After just 7 months in office, Americans have rated President Biden the 7th best President ever. ” These are the Details on the Ratings:
1. Washington and Lincoln tied for first,
2. Reagan and Trump tied for second,
3. Twenty three presidents tied for third,
4. Sixteen other presidents tied for fourth,
5. Jimmy Carter came in fifth,
6. Barack Hussein Obama came in sixth, and
7. Joe Biden came in seventh.
Gotta’ love those Texas Aggies.
Texas that’s all you need to know
Where’s the relief Governor?
When gas prices are now at $4..79/gallon, that extra 2 cents isn’t going to help. How about enacting something to keep these oil companies from gouging the citizens wallets at the pump. 4 months ago, it was costing roughly $40 a week for me to travel to and from work. Now it’s costing close to $100 a week.
J.D. governor doesn’t have the power that you think he does the republicans have taken a lot of his authority away from him try calling your congress person.