Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly Passes Legislation To Temporarily Suspend The Gas Tax
Today, the Republican-led General Assembly passed the Relief at the Pump Act, which suspended North Carolina’s 41-cent gas tax through November 30th. The legislation is designed to provide immediate relief North Carolinians by lowering the costs at the pump.
“Republicans in the General Assembly are committed to easing the tax burden for all North Carolinians,” bill sponsor Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) said. “By suspending the gas tax, we’re providing families and businesses all across the state some much-needed relief when they fill their cars up and travel for Thanksgiving.”
In addition to providing relief for drivers, the bill also helps North Carolina farmers by suspending the motor fuel tax for the remainder of the year on dyed diesel used by licensed vehicles for farming purposes. The legislation also suspends civil and criminal penalties through the end of the year for the use of dyed diesel in highway vehicles for farming and agricultural purposes.
“This is a big win for making life more affordable for North Carolinians and providing immediate relief at the gas pump,” said House Majority Leader Brendon Jones. “It is also a testament to the fiscal responsibility Republicans have demonstrated throughout the budget process. Because of responsible Republican leadership, North Carolina is in a position to provide this important relief to our citizens.”
In order to support the suspension, the bill initiates a monthly transfer from the state’s Stabilization and Inflation Reserve account, which has about $518 million available, to accounts that receive funding from the gas tax. This transfer ensures transportation projects can continue without disruption. The suspension is estimated to cost $362.3 million.
What They Are Saying:
“Elected officials are hearing from hardworking North Carolinians every day who are feeling the strain of rising fuel costs,” bill sponsor Sen. Buck Newton (R-Wilson) said. “For the last 15 years, Republicans in the General Assembly have been good stewards of your tax dollars, which allows us to provide you relief at the pump.”
Rep. Mike Schietzelt (R-Wake) said, “People are paying far too much to commute to work, drop their kids off at school, and run basic errands. Our duty is to help where we can and make everyday life more affordable, especially with travel holidays approaching. By suspending the gas tax, we're relieving some of the cost pressures on working families.”
Rep. Erin Paré (R-Wake) added, “I’m a mom and a small business owner, so I know that high prices at the pump don't stop there. They drive up other costs for families and businesses like mine. We cannot wait any longer. By planning ahead, we are able to provide this much-needed relief for NC consumers.”
Rep. Allen Chesser (R-Nash) said, “Farmers can’t stop their tractors because diesel is too expensive. They still need to harvest their crops and get them to market. And when it costs more to operate equipment, those costs get passed along to folks when they checkout with their groceries. Every gallon of fuel matters to farmers this time of year, and this bill makes it easier for them to make a good living growing the food we all need.”
