Rep. Jarrells Votes No on Gas Tax Holiday; Ohioans Deserve More

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) today voted against House Bill (HB) 1019, which passed in the Ohio House of Representatives with a vote of 78-16. The Gas Tax Holiday Act is an emergency measure that would pause retail taxes on gasoline and diesel for 90 days, saving the average Ohioan $75-90 over the duration of the pause. Although Ohioans need relief at the pump, the Republican proposal is not the best use of $725 million in state funds while families continue to struggle with the cost of health care, childcare, groceries, housing, utilities, and other basic expenses.

“Ohioans deserve relief, but they deserve relief that meets the moment. A 90-day gas tax holiday may sound like help, but families are facing bills 365 days a year. If we are going to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in affordability, we should make sure that investment reaches families through the gas pump, the grocery aisle, the utility bill, the property tax bill, and the cost of raising a child. Ohioans should not have to choose which bill gets a little easier. We can do more with the resources we have, and Ohio families deserve nothing less.,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Ninety days of relief at the pump cannot become a substitute for addressing the expenses families face 365 days a year. Affordability issues simply do not stop at the gas pump. Ohio House Democrats offered an alternative plan that would have provided immediate gas tax relief while making the state's resources go further for Ohio families. That proposal would have used the $1 billion previously allocated for the Cleveland Browns stadium, and would have included a $150 residential energy rebate, stronger enforcement to make sure gas tax savings reach consumers, and expanded homestead property tax relief.

The question is not whether Ohioans deserve gas tax relief. They do. The question is whether $750 million in state resources should be spent on a temporary benefit that addresses only one part of the cost-of-living crisis.

H.B. 1019 has passed both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly and will be sent to Governor DeWine’s desk for approval.