(The Center Square) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has extended the suspension of the state’s excise tax on motor and locomotive fuel.
On Friday, Kemp, a Republican, signed an executive order to extend a state of emergency, citing high inflation — and the policies of President Joe Biden — as the reason.
Georgia’s rosy economic position has empowered the governor to suspend the taxes. A leading Georgia business group lauded the extension.
“This is welcome news for Main Street businesses,” National Federation of Independent Business State Director Hunter Loggins said in a statement to The Center Square. “Higher fuel prices affect the cost of practically everything, from office supplies to shipping. By extending the hold on Georgia’s 31.2 cents per gallon state tax on gasoline and 35 cents tax on diesel, Governor Kemp is reducing the cost of living and doing business in the state.”
Kemp issued an executive order last month, suspending the taxes until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 12. The new order remains in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 11.
“We’re taking action at the state level to deliver relief to hardworking Georgians fighting through Bidenflation, soaring interest rates, and sky-high prices due to Bidenomics,” Kemp said in an announcement. “Our state’s average gas price is now roughly 40 cents less than it was last month. With our partners in the General Assembly, we’ll keep working to put money back in the pockets of Georgia families.”
