With gas prices at an all time high, it is time for our elected leaders to get behind some relief for the taxpayers. Governor Patrick should say whether or not he supports immediate relief for the people of Massachusetts or whether he supports keeping the gas tax for the summer.
John McCain has proposed immediate gas tax relief for working families. According to the most recent numbers from AAA, regular gas would drop from $3.45 to $3.23 under McCain's plan and diesel would drop from $4.38 to $4.14.
Background:
Americans Are Feeling The Squeeze "As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High":
USA Today Headline: "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High." (James R. Healey, "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High," USA Today, 4/22/08)
The Associated Press Headline: "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed." (Adam Schreck, "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed," The Associated Press, 4/22/08)
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) Has Proposed Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families, Saving Over $6 Billion:
Under Sen. John McCain's Plan, Families Would Save 18.4 Cents On Every Gallon Of Gas. "Hard-working American families are suffering from higher gasoline prices. John McCain calls on Congress to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day." (John McCain For President Website, www.johnmccain.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
"A USA TODAY Analysis Showed That McCain's Gas-Tax Proposal Could Save Motorists $6.8 Billion In Taxes During The Summer."(Kathy Kiely, "Gas-Tax Holiday Among McCain's Plans For Economy," USA Today, 4/16/08)
But Obama Has Rejected Gas Tax Relief, Calling It A "Bad Idea":
Obama Opposes Gas Tax Relief. "Earlier Monday at a community college in the Philadelphia suburbs, Obama rejected a tax holiday as bad economic policy. 'I've said I think John McCain's proposal for a three-month tax holiday is a bad idea,' Obama said, warning consumers that any price cut would be short lived before costs spike back." (Nick Timiraos, "Clinton Joins McCain On Gas-Tax Holiday," The Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" Blog, blogs.wsj.com, 4/21/08)
- Despite His Opposition, Obama Outlined Reasons Why American Families Need Gas Tax Relief. Obama: "Now I don't want to jack up the costs. I'm not going to impose an additional tax on gas because consumers just can't bear it right now. I meet too many families who unfortunately, because of some long-term decisions that we've made, they are driving 30-40 miles, they don't have a mass transit option that can get them to work. And so this is just money out of their pockets." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Town Hall Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)
As Of April 22, 2008, The Average Price Of Regular Gasoline In Massachusetts Was Over $3.45 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
As Of April 22, 2008, The Average Price Of Diesel Gasoline In Massachusetts Was Over $4.38 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
In Senate, Obama Has Voted For Higher Energy Taxes That Would Have Driven Up The Cost Of Oil And Gas In America:
Obama Voted In Favor Of An Amendment To Add A $32 Billion Tax Hike Package To The CLEAN Energy Act Of 2007 (H.R. 6). (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #223: Motion Rejected 57-36: R 10-34; D 45-2; I 2-0, 6/21/07, Obama Voted Yea)
- A Heritage Foundation Study Found The Tax Increase Would Have Raised Gas Prices To Over $6 By 2016. "A study by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank showed that the proposed tax increase would boost the average price of regular unleaded gasoline from $3.14 per gallon to $6.40 in 2016." (S.A. Miller, "Senate Votes To Raise Auto Mileage Standards," The Washington Times, 6/22/07)
In Illinois State Senate, Obama Voted Against Permanently Eliminating A Portion Of The State Tax On Motor Fuel And Gasohol:
In 2000, Obama Voted Against Legislation To Make "Permanent The Elimination Of The State's Portion Of The Tax On Motor Fuel And Gasohol."
"Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Makes permanent the elimination of the State's portion of the tax on motor fuel and gasohol (now, the tax reverts to 6.25% on January 1, 2001). Exempts the elimination of the tax from the sunset provisions. Amends the State Finance Act and the Motor Fuel Tax Law to reflect the permanent elimination of the State's portion of the use and occupation taxes on motor fuel and gasohol. Effective immediately."
(S.B. 1867: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed, 46-12-0, 11/15/00, Obama Voted Nay)
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