COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina State Senator Russell Ott (D-Calhoun) announced he will file legislation this week to suspend the state gas tax for 30 days.
“South Carolina families and businesses are struggling with gas prices that have increased nearly a dollar a gallon in just three weeks during the ongoing war in Iran,” Ott said. “By providing a 30-day suspension of the state’s gas tax we can play a small part to provide some relief for businesses and families,” he continued.
The legislation would suspend South Carolina’s 28-cent per gallon gas tax for 30-days and would automatically renew for an additional 30-day period if gas prices remain elevated.
“The Administration has assured us pain at the pump will be short lived, and I hope that’s true," Ott said. "But there are no guarantees and prices continue to climb with no end in sight. We need to do what we can, when we can.
“While this will not fully counter the effects of rising gas prices it may be the difference that allows businesses to stay open and households to stay afloat.
“In the days and weeks ahead we will continue to look for further solutions to ease the burden of rising costs. We pray for the safety of our troops, strength for their families and a swift conclusion to this war."