New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
‘Today, Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) voted to suspend the state’s gasoline tax in order to combat rising gas prices and inflation tightening consumer’s household budgets.
Each gallon of gasoline sold in Massachusetts is subject to a 24-cent state tax. Montigny’s vote was on an amendment filed to a supplemental spending bill (S2776) debated in the Senate this afternoon. The amendment would have suspended the fuel tax until September 5, 2022.
The measure failed by an 11 to 29 roll call vote.
“While the Commonwealth continues to enjoy a massive revenue surplus, we must deliver relief to hardworking people who are getting crushed by skyrocketing inflation,” said Senator Montigny. “Our constituents are facing steep price increases on everything from groceries to home heating costs and gas prices at the pump.
State coffers will not suffer by providing some temporary relief. Seniors and others on a fixed income cannot absorb costs that have basically doubled overnight, and our families should never have to worry about how to pay their bills while the state sits flush with cash.”’
