Dr. Annie Andrews today renewed her call to suspend the federal gas tax and urged South Carolina to do the same at the state level, while also calling for the suspension of diesel taxes as diesel prices reach record highs.
The call comes as gas prices in South Carolina have risen more than 7% in the last month, faster than the national average, prompting new calls for immediate relief from state leaders, including proposals to suspend the state gas tax and bring the General Assembly back into session to consider direct rebates to South Carolina families. At the same time, diesel has climbed to more than $6 a gallon in South Carolina, the highest average price ever recorded in the state.
Andrews has been calling for action to lower prices for weeks as she’s traveled across South Carolina on her “Gas, Grits, and Groceries” Affordability Tour, talking directly with families about rising costs at the pump, grocery store, and doctor’s office. Meanwhile, Senator Darline Graham has remained silent. She’s offering no plan of her own, even refusing to sign onto a federal gas tax suspension bill introduced by a fellow Republican senator.
“I know how quickly filling up the tank adds up when you’re driving kids to school, practice, or a friend’s house,” said Dr. Annie Andrews. “As I’ve traveled across South Carolina, I’ve heard the same thing from families and workers everywhere: more and more of their paycheck is going toward filling up the tank. That’s why I called for the gas tax to be suspended weeks ago because no one should have to choose between putting food on the table and filling up their tank.
“And it’s not just gas. Diesel has now hit a record high, putting even more pressure on farmers, truckers, shrimpers, and small businesses across our state. It’s time to suspend the diesel tax and lower the damn diesel.
“This moment demands an all-of-the-above approach and all hands on deck to bring down costs for South Carolinians. Whether it’s suspending the gas and diesel taxes, cutting taxes, or putting money directly back into families’ pockets, I’m ready to work with anyone who is serious about getting it done.”