Michigan Senate passes bill that would suspend gas tax for the summer

gas pump on a pile of money
Photo credit Getty Images

LANSING (WWJ) -- The Michigan Senate has passed legislation that will temporarily suspend the 6% sales and use taxes on gas and the 27-cent-per-gallon excise gas tax.

The pause, voted on in Lansing on Thursday, would begin on June 15, 2022, and would remain in place until September 15. 2022.

The bills received bipartisan support in the Senate which may be a signal that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will sign the measure.

A spokesman said the governor is "encouraged" by the Senate package.

State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, a Republican who co-sponsored the legislation, said it will provide Michigan drivers with relief from record-setting gas prices during the summer months.

“We are fighting to lower taxes so residents can better afford record-high inflation and gas prices. Unfortunately, Democrats in the state Legislature and our governor have fought efforts to reduce taxes every step of the way,” said Nesbitt, of Lawton. “Today we are providing another opportunity for Democrats to join us to provide meaningful tax relief and we hope they will not block this crucial gas tax suspension aimed at helping struggling families and seniors.”

Suspending the excise and sales taxes on gasoline will save cash-strapped Michigan drivers 51 cents per gallon at the pump, or $800 million over three months, Nesbitt said.

According to AAA, on May 19, the state’s average per gallon cost for regular gasoline was $4.58 and the average diesel price was $5.27. Both prices are the highest recorded average prices in state history.

This comes after, back in April, Gov. Whitmer vetoed a House bill that would have temporarily suspend the state’s gas and diesel excise taxes.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Getty Images