Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) on Friday signed a bill that suspends the state gas tax for 60 days, marking the first state-level action aimed at bringing relief at the pump as fuel prices soar amid the war with Iran.
The bill, which temporarily waives Georgia’s 33-cent-per-gallon gas tax and 37-cent-per-gallon diesel tax, was one of two laws passed by state lawmakers this week meant to save taxpayers money.
Kemp also signed the other measure into law, which authorizes the return of nearly $1.2 billion in state income tax refunds. Qualifying taxpayers are expected to receive that rebate — ranging from up to $250 for single people and $500 for couples — within six to eight weeks, according to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
“Hardworking Georgians know best how to spend their money, not the government,” Kemp said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these bills, and along with the General Assembly, deliver meaningful tax relief on top of the other measures we’ve taken in recent years.”
Kemp did not explicitly tie the actions to the conflict in the Middle East, framing them instead as part of a broader affordability push. But they come as escalating strikes in he region are causing major disruptions in the global economy.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5793517-kemp-signs-tax-bills/