Suspending Florida’s gas tax is a no-go, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Easing prices is just, like, not something for the state to get involved in at this time, OK?
When Democratic lawmakers asked if DeSantis would consider suspending the state’s tax on gas as the United States and Israel continue a wildly unpopular war with Iran, DeSantis said, “My answer is just get the cost down internationally, and that means having stable energy markets, making sure we’re doing everything to get our stuff to market. But I don’t know that there’s going to be any simple fix.”
Totally. It’s not Florida’s place to relieve costs for people who live here. Even with gas exceeding $4 a gallon in some parts of the state, you must take into consideration how silly suspending the excise tax on gas would be. The state has only adjusted taxes on a scant handful of things in history:
Firearms
Ammunition
Gun safes
Crossbows
Fishing rods
Lanterns
Flashlights
Hiking boots
Tents
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Batteries
Life jackets
Generators
Camping stoves
Batteries
Smoke detectors
Diapers
Jigsaw puzzles
Jeans
Hoodies
Purses
Shoes
Fanny packs
Matching and memory games
Blocks
Construction paper
Lunch boxes
Three-ring binders
Protractors
Computers
Gold, silver and platinum bullion
And gas. Yes. The Florida Motor Fuel Tax Relief Act of 2022, passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by DeSantis, eased gas prices for Floridians for a month. DeSantis’s team curiously timed the tax break to kick off with voting amid the governor’s bid for reelection. Furthermore, President Joe Biden was in office back then. The situation could not be more different. Please, be reasonable. This is a federal and international issue, and there’s simply nothing the state can do.
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