(WKYT) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced steps to reduce gas taxes as Kentuckians face higher costs on essential items.
Beshear said he is freezing a planned increase in the state portion of the gas tax that would have risen just over a half cent on July 1. He is also issuing a state of emergency relating to gas prices that will reduce the gas tax by 10 cents a gallon.
“So today I am taking steps to help Kentucky families because it is the right thing to do,” Beshear said.
Attorney General Russell Coleman said he will sign off on the order, which should make it effective by May 11. It will impact both regular and diesel fuel.
Coleman also added:
Of course Kentuckians should have lower gas prices.
But Governor Beshear has vetoed almost every tax cut that’s come to his desk. Now, he’s just playing politics and running for President. Kentuckians stand with President Trump, and they’re not buying what the Governor is selling.
Beshear said recent actions coming from the federal level are making it harder on Kentuckians to make ends meet. He said the state can offer some help that may lessen a little of the burden, primarily in the state portion of the gas tax.
The state’s lowering of taxes is temporary, Beshear said.
“The moment the gas prices go down, I am happy to undo any of the steps we are taking. If this operation Freedom somehow works, and a cease fire where both countries appear to be firing on each other, if that works over time, then we would be happy to undo this, but that is not what we are seeing,” Beshear said.
Beshear said he will be announcing other ways to help Kentuckians in the coming weeks.
Beshear said he is also sending requests to Washington that Congress halt collection of the federal gas tax for the rest of the year, which would save drivers about 18 cents a gallon.
Many people are feeling the pinch of the pain at the pump, including volunteer organizations. Linda Lewis directs the Meals on Wheels program through Green River Pentecostal Church in Lincoln County. She says volunteers pay for their own gas and deliver to 72 families in two counties.
“How long can we continue this?” she asked.