Maryland Republicans Push for Gas Tax Relief
Maryland Senate and House Republicans have announced a continued, coordinated effort to provide immediate relief to drivers by temporarily suspending the State’s gas tax, with House Republicans advancing the proposal through Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA) amendments as the primary path forward. Supporters say the move could lower prices by about 46 cents per gallon, though the plan would require approval from the governor. So, In addition to legislative action, Senate and House Republicans will be sending a joint letter to Governor Wes Moore urging his support for the proposal and encouraging swift action to deliver relief without delay.
Additional Information from the Maryland General Assembly, Joint Republican Caucus:
Maryland Senate and House Republicans today announced a continued, coordinated effort to provide immediate relief to drivers by temporarily suspending the State’s gas tax, with House Republicans advancing the proposal through Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA) amendments as the primary path forward.
Republicans initially sought to pursue parallel efforts in both chambers, including late introduction of emergency legislation in the Senate.
“Marylanders are feeling the pressure of rising costs every time they pull up to the pump,” said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey. “We made a good-faith effort to introduce emergency legislation in the Senate to provide immediate relief to motorists. Unfortunately, there are several procedural hurdles to overcome to formally introduce a bill this late in the session. The suspension of the rules required the cooperation of the entire Senate, which we were unable to secure.”
Despite those challenges, Republicans are continuing to push forward through a viable legislative vehicle in the House.
“The House still has a path to get this done through the budget, and we intend to use it,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Cutting the gas tax for a month will likely save the average Marylander more than the Democrat’s energy plan, Marylanders should not have to wait for relief.”
The proposal is part of a broader Republican effort to make Maryland more affordable by addressing the everyday costs that are putting pressure on working families. Maryland’s gas tax currently adds nearly 46 cents per gallon to the price of fuel.
“Maryland cannot control events happening outside our borders, but we can control whether State government continues to add nearly 46 cents per gallon in taxes on top of rising prices,” Buckel said. “When costs go up, the State should not pile on.”
Under the proposal, the gas tax suspension would take effect immediately upon the governor’s signature, ensuring that savings are felt at the pump without delay. Based on current rates, suspending the tax could lower prices by approximately 46 cents per gallon — translating to roughly $7 in savings per fill-up and $30 to $40 in savings over a month for the average driver.
Maryland previously enacted a similar measure in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when gas prices spiked nationwide. The General Assembly passed an emergency gas tax holiday that provided immediate relief and was widely reflected in lower prices at the pump.
“This is a proven, straightforward way to deliver relief,” Hershey said. “We have done this before, and we know it works.”
Republican leaders emphasized that the measure is temporary and includes a commitment to ensure the Transportation Trust Fund remains whole so that critical infrastructure and transportation priorities are maintained.
“This is about immediate relief, not long-term disruption,” Buckel said. “We can provide help to Maryland families right now while still honoring our commitment to transportation funding.”
In addition to legislative action, Senate and House Republicans will be sending a joint letter to Governor Wes Moore urging his support for the proposal and encouraging swift action to deliver relief without delay.
“We are ready to act, and we hope the Governor will join us in putting Maryland families first,” Hershey said. “This is a proven solution, and it’s time to move forward.”
Copy of the Joint Caucus Gas Tax Holiday Letter:
The Honorable Wes Moore
Governor of Maryland
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Governor Moore,
On behalf of the Maryland Senate and House Republican Caucuses, we write to urge your support for a
temporary gas tax holiday to provide immediate relief to Maryland families, commuters, and small businesses
facing rising fuel costs.
Maryland’s gas tax currently adds nearly 46 cents per gallon to the price of fuel. At a time when prices are
increasing, this additional cost is placing further strain on working families and those who rely on their vehicles
every day to get to work, school, and essential activities. While we cannot control external factors influencing
global energy markets, we can take responsible action at the state level to ease the burden on Marylanders.
Maryland has taken this step before. In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting spike
in fuel prices, the General Assembly enacted an emergency gas tax holiday that provided immediate, direct relief
at the pump. That approach proved effective and ensured that Marylanders saw meaningful savings when they
needed it most.
We believe a similar, time-limited measure is warranted today. Suspending the gas tax would provide
immediate, visible savings to drivers across the state, helping to offset rising costs and support household
budgets. Structuring this effort to take effect without delay would ensure that Marylanders experience relief as
quickly as possible.
We also recognize the importance of maintaining Maryland’s transportation infrastructure and fiscal stability.
Any such measure should include a commitment to ensure the Transportation Trust Fund is made whole so that
critical projects and obligations are not disrupted.
This proposal is part of a broader effort to improve affordability in Maryland by addressing the everyday costs
that matter most to our residents. Providing relief at the pump is a direct and effective way to support
Marylanders during a period of rising expenses.
Continued
2
We respectfully ask that you join us in supporting this effort and work with the General Assembly to ensure
swift action. This is an opportunity for bipartisan cooperation to deliver timely, meaningful relief to Maryland
families.
Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to the State of Maryland.
Sincerely,
Senator Steve Hershey Delegate Jason Buckel
Senate Minority Leader House Minority Leader
Senator Justin Ready Delegate Jesse Pippy
Senate Minority Whip House Minority Whip
CC:
Jeremy Baker, Chief Legislative Officer