ANNAPOLIS — An effort by House Republicans to temporarily pause Maryland’s state gas tax failed Wednesday as oil prices across the country continue to soar.
“Marylanders who are suffering and who could get a break, 35, 40 cents a gallon, you know, could save up to $7 a fill up for the average vehicle,’’ House Minority Leader Jason Buckel, R-Allegany, said at a press conference Wednesday. “I think it’s more important for us to provide that in the short term.”
During a House session on the state budget, lawmakers debated an amendment proposed by Del. Todd Morgan, R-Calvert and St. Mary’s, that would have paused taxes on motor fuel for 30 days. The amendment failed.
Morgan said it’s important to help Marylanders. “I know we’re going to hear, ‘it’s Trump’s fault,’ ” he said. “But this is about affordability.”
Senate Republicans had initially planned to introduce an emergency bill, but didn’t because they said it lacked support.
Republicans argued the amendment would help families save money.
“We’re just Maryland lawmakers,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy, R-Frederick, during the debate. “This is something certainly within our purview to save Marylanders real money.”
Democrats said the rising price of gas is a federal problem because of the war in Iran.
“There’s a way that prices could go down,” House Majority Whip Ashanti Martinez, D-Prince George’s, said. “Their party could end the war.”
Martinez said the budget already addresses affordability.
“We are doing our best in this budget to make sure we’re providing for the most vulnerable among us,” he said.
Some Marylanders said they are feeling the impact of rising gas prices.
Shadonna Jordan, of Columbia, said she filled her tank a few weeks ago and paid $8 more than she had previously.
“Might not be a lot to some, but it’s a lot to me,” she said as she pumped gas recently at a station in Annapolis. “That’s almost a $10 jump, which will add up at the end of the year. So that’s definitely something that’s alarming.”
Pariss Holbert, of Baltimore City, a law student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, said she was surprised to see the $40 tab to fill her gas tank.
“Being a student, I will say that gas prices do come down heavy on us,” she said, adding that people may have to drive less or take public transportation. “You just have to learn different routes or things that can help save you money.”