As you have undoubtedly noticed in recent weeks, gas prices have gone through the roof. In response, the combined Virginia House and Senate Republican caucuses have called for action to help hard working Virginians. Our plan is to suspend the motor fuel tax for 90 days. But Democrats, from Governor Abigail Spanberger’s office on down, have to this point refused to enact this tax relief.
International events beyond the control of state government have sent prices at the gas pump soaring. Gas is nearly $4 per gallon in some places in Virginia, while diesel is commonly over $5 per gallon. That puts a real drain on the wallets of Virginia families, and it increases the cost of doing business for any business that relies on travel or shipping goods throughout the state. While Virginia cannot sway international events, we can certainly control the taxes we put on motor fuels. A 90-day moratorium on the state gas tax would save Virginians about $375 million, all without hurting the Commonwealth’s funding for road construction and maintenance. Dropping the tax for 90 days would let international events stabilize – such as re-opening the Strait of Hormuz – while putting anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars back in the pockets of families.
The initial reaction to this proposal was almost universally positive. I say “almost” because – you guessed it – General Assembly Democrats opposed it. House and Senate Democrats complained that the cause of the problem is President Trump, and that Republicans should focus on him rather than gas prices. Governor Spanberger has said that there is no guarantee that the savings would reach consumers.
However, data from 2022 shows that the vast majority of such a tax cut would indeed be felt by motorists. And as mentioned earlier, the Commonwealth’s budget could easily absorb such a limited form of tax relief. Instead of working with us on ideas to lessen the costs of everyday goods and services, General Assembly Democrats continue to focus on opposing President Trump and otherwise ignoring their promises of an agenda focused on affordability.
In the General Assembly, we do not create nor influence international policy. Our responsibility is to try to enhance the quality of life in the Commonwealth of Virginia for all those who live here. That includes spending – responsibly – on education, transportation infrastructure, public safety, and the other core functions of government Virginians rely on. It also means providing relief to Virginians when able and not overtaxing them. The Commonwealth has the funding necessary to provide this temporary tax relief, and it is highly disappointing that Democrats would rather play politics against President Trump than provide a reprieve to Virginia residents.
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at DelJBallard@House.Virginia.Gov. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
