INDIANAPOLIS—State Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) and State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) today called for Indiana to put a moratorium on the gas sales and gas excise tax through July amid soaring prices.
They offered this proposal in an alternative conference committee report to the plan outlined by Republicans in House Bill 1002. Their plan also includes phasing down the individual adjusted gross income tax rate from 3.23% beginning in 2024 to 2.9% over four years.
“For years, the supermajority has said they’re on the side of working Hoosiers – if that’s true, cutting the gas taxes should be an easy yes. Today, Indiana’s average gas price hit $4.15 per gallon – this is a huge blow to Hoosiers just trying to live their daily lives,” Lanane said. “ If we’re as fiscally responsible as we claim to be, we’ll recognize that our economy is a lot better off when Hoosiers don’t have to scrimp and save every penny to spend on necessities. Cutting the gas tax will provide Hoosiers needed relief at the pump as fuel prices continue to rise.”
“We’ve spent the entire legislative session gloating about our billions in reserve, and we know surging gas prices are going to drive up costs of basic goods and services across the supply chain. Now, it’s time to use that surplus to alleviate the burden of surging gas prices for working Hoosiers,” Porter said. “Working families need tax cuts the most – not the low-wage employers who would benefit from the Republican plan. I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to sign this conference committee report and choose Hoosiers’ wallets over corporation profits.”