When the 2026 Legislative session ended, there was something that lawmakers forgot to do, something that would have really helped Alabamians during tough economic headwinds: Temporarily suspend the gas tax.
According to AAA at the time of this writing, the average gas price in the Yellowhammer State is $4.09/gallon. While it might be a noble cause to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon, everyday Americans are still feeling the economic pain while filling up their tanks. It would be nice if state legislators would take note of that reality and provide consumers some temporary relief while the war continues in the Middle East.
There was another opportunity, a second chance if you will, for the politicians in Montgomery to get it accomplished.
Yes I realize Gov. Kay Ivey called the special session to deal with redistricting in the wake of the recent Supreme Court Ruling, but they were all there in the capital again, able to vote on something to help the people. But that didn’t happen.
If you happen to drive through Georgia anytime soon, you might realize that gas is cheaper in that state relative to some of its neighbors. That because they passed a temporary suspension of their gas tax earlier this year. If they could do it, why not Alabama?
Unfortunately, this is one of the few times I have to agree with Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, who called for a suspension of the tax earlier this year. The argument against it was that loss in revenue for infrastructure projects, so lawmakers didn’t take it up.
It’s true that the state does need revenue to continue its Rebuild Alabama program. That’s why I think it should have been TEMPORARY. Just enough time to provide some relief as the war hopefully wraps up before the end of the summer.
It should also be noted that the Legislature passed a bill this year to temporarily suspend the grocery tax, something that shouldn’t even exist in the first place in my opinion. If we can never cut taxes because of the potential loss in revenue, why was that approved?
Republicans in Montgomery constantly talk about supporting President Donald Trump’s agenda. Well one way to support his effort in Iran would be to help bring down gas prices at home while the fight over there continues for a few more weeks.
Lawmakers have now had two sessions to ease some pain at the pump for Alabamians, but instead missed the opportunity.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
