Ohio Senate holds first hearing on gas tax holiday proposal

Ohio senators held their first hearing regarding a proposed 90-day gas tax holiday. Republican leaders aim to pass the measure with an emergency clause to allow for immediate implementation ahead of the November elections.

The proposal was initially suggested by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton and subsequently adopted by Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy. While the plan was originally intended to be funded by a surplus in the Ohio Department of Transportation, Governor Mike DeWine rejected using those funds. Consequently, the current legislative plan seeks to cover the estimated $725 million in lost revenue by drawing from the state’s general revenue fund.

To pass the legislation, Republicans will need to secure Democratic votes in the House. Some senators have expressed skepticism regarding the plan, which impacts the funding typically used for state roads and bridges.