In response to economic challenges posed by inflation and nationwide economic conditions, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has declared a state of emergency.
As part of this declaration, Governor Kemp has implemented a temporary suspension of the state’s excise tax on motor and locomotive fuel. This measure is intended to provide direct financial relief to Georgia’s residents. The order will take effect on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 12:00 a.m. and will remain in force until 11:59 p.m. on October 12, 2023. It is expected that the suspension will gradually influence fuel prices in the coming days. For those interested, the full text of Executive Order 09.12.23.01 can be found here.
“From runaway federal spending to policies that hamstring domestic energy production, all Bidenomics has done is take more money out of the pockets of the middle class,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “While high prices continue to hit family budgets, hardworking Georgians deserve real relief and that’s why I signed an executive order today to deliver it directly to them at the pump. Working with partners in the General Assembly, we’ll continue to help Georgians weather the economic headwinds caused by this president, his administration, and their allies in Congress.”
According to a recent analysis conducted by Moody’s Analytics in August, Americans are spending $709 more per month than they were two years ago and $202 more per month compared to last year. The suspension of the excise tax is expected to save Georgia residents approximately 31.2 cents per gallon of gasoline and 35 cents per gallon of diesel fuel. It is worth noting that when the gas tax was temporarily suspended from March through December of the previous year, 2022, Georgians collectively saved approximately $1.7 billion at the pump.
Speaker Jon Burns commented, “I support Governor Kemp’s decision to suspend motor fuel taxes to address the impact of rising fuel prices, despite federal inaction. Georgia’s strong economic performance is the result of policies that have positioned the state as a favorable environment for business.”
Thanks to the efforts of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, Georgia is able to temporarily suspend the collection of the state motor fuel tax to help alleviate the financial strain of high gas prices. According to AAA, the current average cost of a gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia is $3.57, up from $3.24 a year ago.
