Amid rising gas prices at the pump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday his proposal for $1 billion in gas tax relief. The proposal will be discussed by state lawmakers during the 2022 legislative session.
According to DeSantis Office, if approved, the proposal – or as stated, “gas tax holiday” – would save up to $200 on average per family.
“Gas prices have been rising due to inflationary pressures from bad federal policies, so we here in Florida need to step up and provide relief to our citizens,” said Governor Ron DeSantis during his announcement at Buc-ee’s gas station in Daytona Beach and at Daily’s gas station in Jacksonville.
He added, “Today, I am proposing that during session, the Florida Legislature provide more than $1 billion in gas tax relief for Florida families. This will have a positive impact on millions of Floridians.”
Joining Governor DeSantis during his announcement were leaders in the gas and transportation industry, which included, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary, Kevin J. Thibault, Daily’s President and CEO, Aubrey Edge, President and CEO of Wawa Inc., Chris Gheysens, and President of Buc-ee’s, Arch H. “Beaver” Applin III.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida’s economy continues to move in the right direction. … Florida’s sound fiscal policies allow the state to pass relief along to consumers who continue to suffer from the impact of inflation and we will continue to do everything we can to alleviate the burden on all Florida families,” Thibault said.
Edge said, “Governor DeSantis is spot on. It’s tough right now. Keeping up with costs, costs are rising every single day and this is an incredible way to give back to everyday Floridians. The Governor has protected our personal freedoms, looked after the economic interests of every Floridian and made it great to have a business here in Florida.”
While all four gas and transportation executives expressed how DeSantis’ proposal will positively affect Florida consumers, Gheysens and Applin also expressed their support of doing business in Florida.
Gheysens stated, “Given recent cost increases and supply chain challenges, this initiative will have a positive impact on Florida families. We are proud to be a part of the Florida community and look forward to growing our presence and continuing to make a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.”
“The Florida market and Florida customers are wonderful. This is a very business friendly state and this is probably one of our favorite places we have done business in,” Applin stated.
This gas tax relief proposal is the latest action of a series of other announcements Governor DeSantis has made over the past few months to fight the rising costs attributed to inflation.
Casey Owens is a contributing writer for The Florida Capital Star. Follow him on Twitter at @cowensreports. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “DeSantis proposes gas tax relief” by Ron DeSantis.
