Businesswoman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard on Tuesday called for the suspension of the state’s gas tax to provide relief for consumers, citing rising fuel costs and decades high inflation.
Blanchard outlined her call for the gas tax’s suspension at the Chevron Gas Station on Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd. S. in Tuscaloosa.
In her speech, the candidate pointed to a recent study which showed that the spike in fuel costs has burdened Alabama more than any other state in the nation.
“One of the biggest long-term threats to our country is our ballooning debt and deficit,” said Blanchard. “Big spending bills and inflated taxes aren’t just a national problem, they’re an Alabama problem, too. Our current taxes, along with Joe Biden’s inflation, is just too much. A recent study showed that increasing prices at the pump are impacting Alabamians more than any other state in the nation. I know you need help immediately! Today, not tomorrow, not after the election. That’s why we are here today.”
If elected Alabama’s 55th governor, Blanchard vowed that repealing the 2019 state gas tax increase would be one of her administration’s main priorities.
“I call on our Governor and State Legislators to suspend the gasoline tax now. They should have already done this,” added Blanchard. “This would bring immediate relief to hardworking Alabamians during a time of high inflation and the highest gas prices in our state’s history. It’s the job of our state leaders, like the Governor, to find solutions to help our people, and I believe that starts with putting more of your money back in your pockets. I will be the Governor that finally steps up, rolls up her sleeves, and gets it done.”
Blanchard’s call comes on the heels of states such as Georgia, Maryland and Connecticut moving to suspend their respected taxes on fuel.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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