Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp has declared a “state of emergency” over high inflation in the state.
Kemp announced that he would be temporarily suspending the state’s gas tax in an effort to ease the burden on drivers.
The tax suspension started on Wednesday and will last until October 12.
According to the Georgia Recorder, Kemp’s office stated that the reduction will result in savings for Georgians of 31.2 cents for regular gasoline and 35 cents for diesel.
Gov. Kemp blamed Democrat President Joe Biden’s administration for the hike in inflation.
He specifically blasted the failures of “Bidenomics” which has taken a strain on middle-class Americans across the country.
“From runaway federal spending to policies that hamstring domestic energy production, all Bidenomics has done is take more money out of the pockets of the middle class,” Kemp said in a statement.
“While high prices continue to hit family budgets, hardworking Georgians deserve real relief and that’s why I signed an executive order today to deliver it directly to them at the pump.
“Working with partners in the General Assembly, we’ll continue to help Georgians weather the economic headwinds caused by this president, his administration, and their allies in Congress.”
Today, I signed an Executive Order suspending the state gas tax, because hardworking Georgians deserve real relief from the disastrous effects of Bidenomics.
Read more here: https://t.co/ftgoMc8Own pic.twitter.com/CvgqQyI2sp
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) September 12, 2023
While gas prices are higher in other states, Georgia residents are paying significantly more than they were compared to one year ago.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average gas price in Georgia was $3.24 in September of 2022.
Prices have now increased by 0.33 cents.
With Kemp’s suspension of the excise tax, the cost of filling up a 15-gallon tank will be $48.87.
The current cost with the tax included would be $53.55.
We suspended the state gas tax to put money back in the pockets of hardworking Georgians as they fight through Bidenomics and the rising cost of living. pic.twitter.com/sgYZUrK4hx
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) September 13, 2023
According to the AAA, the current average US price for gas is $3.86.
States most impacted by high gas prices are out on the West Coast.
Californians are paying an average of $5.46 a gallon, while Washingtonians pay $5.05.
Americans across the country have been negatively impacted by the rising cost of living.
The issue is due to increasing inflation at the hands of the Biden administration.
While appearing on Fox News, Gov. Kemp said he hopes the suspension will help hardworking Georgians as they fight through Bidenomics.
He noted that Bidenomics is responsible for taking more than $700 per month from American pockets.
