Two Idaho state lawmakers are calling for a six-month suspension of the state fuel tax.
According to the Lewiston Tribune, Moscow Democratic Senator David Nelson and Pocatello Democratic Representative James Ruchti sent a letter to Republican Governor Brad Little this week, asking him to call a special session of the Idaho Legislature so lawmakers can consider the matter. Per the Idaho Constitution, only the governor can call a special legislative session.
The American Automobile Association reports Idaho’s average price for a gallon of gasoline is currently $5.06 – the highest on record. That’s up from $4.47 a month ago and $3.28 at this time last year.
Idaho’s fuel tax accounts for 32 cents of that and generates about $360 million per year for state and local highways.
Nelson estimated the proposed gas tax “holiday” would cost around $180 million. However, with the state looking at a projected $1.27 billion budget surplus this year, he and Ruchti think the expense is justified.
More than a dozen other states have also discussed or implemented gas tax holidays this year. (Lewiston Tribune)
