By Liam Niemeyer,
Kentucky Lantern
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is signing emergency measures to freeze the state’s sales tax on gasoline starting in July and declare a state of emergency that could lower the tax by 10 cents a gallon starting next week.
In a Tuesday press conference, Beshear said he doesn’t see an end to the ongoing war between Iran and the United States that’s contributing to surging gasoline and diesel prices, arguing the measures would cumulatively save Kentuckians tens of millions of dollars at the gas pump each month.
“Our families are feeling the pain. They’re being forced to make tough decisions, decisions like choosing between food and medication, the money just isn’t stretching through the month,” Beshear said. “The price of gas isn’t partisan. It’s not Democrat or Republican. It’s just too high.”
The average price of regular gasoline and diesel in Kentucky is at $4.28 and $5.32, respectively, as of Tuesday, according to AAA. The average in Barren County is $4.15 for regular gasoline and $5.05 for diesel.
Gasoline prices across the country have spiked since the outbreak of the war with Iran; the Energy Information Administration states regular gasoline prices across the country are, on average, more than a $1.30 higher compared to last year.
Beshear, a Democrat, said Republican Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman would have to sign off on the state of emergency that would lower the state’s gas tax by 10 cents a gallon starting May 11. A press release from Coleman’s office stated he would sign and publish an executive order of his own to go into effect before May 11.
Coleman in a statement also criticized the governor for vetoing past legislation that would have enacted tax cuts. Beshear has at times vetoed, and in other instances signed, legislation passed by the state legislature to lower the state’s income tax rate.
“Of course Kentuckians should have lower gas prices,” Coleman said. “Now, he’s just playing politics and running for president. Kentuckians stand with President Trump, and they’re not buying what the governor is selling.”
When asked by a reporter if the governor believes Republicans in the GOP-controlled state legislature would support the emergency moves, Beshear pointed to a move by Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to suspend the sales tax on gas.
Beshear also said another executive order he signed would freeze the property tax assessment rate for vehicles starting next year, and he’s also asked Kentucky’s congressional delegation to try to freeze the federal gas tax until the end of the year.
Beshear said the freezing and lowering of the state’s gas tax may cause some of the state’s road projects to be delayed, but that it’s “a small price to pay for families that can’t afford groceries and medication.”
This story has been updated.
Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Linda Blackford for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.
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