Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) on Thursday introduced a bill to suspend the federal gas tax through the end of the year, amid surging prices due to inflation.
The legislation, known as the Gas Prices Relief Act, would terminate the 18 cents per gallon gas tax that individuals pay, temporarily lowering the prices for consumers.
“Arizonans are paying some of the highest prices for gas we have seen in years and it’s putting a strain on families who need to fill up the tank to get to work and school,” said Senator Kelly. ”This bill will lower gas prices by suspending the federal gas tax through the end of the year to help Arizona families struggling with high costs for everything from gas to groceries.”
The move from the Arizona Democrat comes as the U.S. Department of Labor reported that consumer prices were up 7.5 percent compared to the same time last year. That staggering number represents the highest level since 1982.
Furthermore, the number is a .6 percent jump from December, a higher level than many experts predicted. Within the overall increase, individuals were heavily impacted by the costs of energy and shelter.
“People are feeling a real pinch on everyday goods, and we must do more to help address rising costs, particularly the price of gas,” added Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), a cosponsor of the bill. “We need to continue to think creatively about how we can find new ways to bring down costs, and this bill would do exactly that, making a tangible difference for workers and families.”
However, many Republicans argue President Joe Biden’s agenda, supported by congressional Democrats like Kelly and Hassan, has led to the spike in prices. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) echoed those concerns when announcing his opposition to Biden’s “Build Back Better” spending plan.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network.  Email tips to [email protected].
