Virginia Republicans propose a gas tax holiday. Democrats blame Trump. (copy) (copy)
Spanberger
Virginia Republicans proposed a temporary elimination of the tax on gas and diesel that drivers pay at the pump, but Democrats — who control the majority in the statehouse — said they aren’t interested.
House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, said at a news conference Friday morning that eliminating the gas tax is one way to save Virginians money at the gas pump, as fuel prices locally are nearing $4 per gallon. Democrats immediately pointed to the war in Iran that has helped drive the increase in fuel prices.
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Kilgore, while acknowledging the war in Iran and voicing support for trying to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, said the legislature can’t stop what’s going on across the world, but it can help lower gas prices.
Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she’s working on long-term affordability solutions and pointed blame at the president.
“Let’s be 100% clear about why gas prices are skyrocketing: it’s because President Trump unilaterally launched a war with no thought to the direct impact on families in Virginia and across the country,” said Gov. Abigail Spanberger. “Right now, Virginians are feeling the brunt of the president’s actions at the pump and the grocery store. As gas and diesel prices soar, I am working to create long-term solutions to address rising costs in energy, housing and health care.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks to reports on March 20. “Let’s be 100% clear about why gas prices are skyrocketing: it’s because President Trump unilaterally launched a war with no thought to the direct impact on families in Virginia and across the country,” Spanberger said.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, similarly pivoted to the president.
“The Virginians I talk to are asking us to stand up to Trump, his power grabs, and to end the constant damage to our state and economy caused by his lawless behavior instead of trying to help pay for his bad decisions,” Surovell said Friday afternoon.
Republicans say they could get the tax break done when the legislature convenes for a special session next month. But for now, Democrats don’t seem interested.
“If Democrats are willing to save the people money — and this would be something that we could do right away — we're here in the House to deliver 36 votes to make it happen,” Kilgore said. “We've got to act quick … and we hope all parties are in Richmond spending time negotiating a budget so we can get this passed to provide real relief, real affordability to taxpayers in Virginia.”
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