Georgia gas tax suspension extended to July 14

Catoosa County officials support executive order from Gov. Kemp

CATOOSA COUNTY, Georgia (WDEF) — Recently in some parts of California, gasoline now costs more than $8 a gallon.

However, in Georgia, residents will get a little more relief at the pump for a little while longer.

At the end of March, Governor Kemp suspended the state’s gas tax through the end of May.

Now, he has extended that suspension through mid-July.

“I think we have a good governor,” said Catoosa County Chairman Larry Black. “I think he’s fiscally conservative. I think that he’s concerned about the taxpayers and the residents of our entire state. Even though our gas is relatively low compared to other states, I think our governor really cares about the people.”

Black commended Kemp, saying he believes he’s doing what he can to keep gas prices low despite what he calls “failed policies in Washington.”

Catoosa County’s Public Information Officer John Pless echoed Black’s gratitude to the governor.

“This is going to help here in Georgia, at least, to take a little bit of that edge off,” Pless said. “30 cents or so a gallon — that adds up when you’re taking a road trip. So I think the timing of this extension really means a lot for working families and those working families who have saved enough to take a vacation.”

Pless understands, though, that local families are struggling with inflation.

While some may be able to enjoy their extra money, some may need it to keep the lights on.

Despite everything, he remains optimistic that “better days are coming.”

“You know, the old adage ‘this too shall pass’ — it’s easy to say that, especially when we’re having to pay that now,” Pless said. “But I really think that in the weeks and months ahead, we’re going to see some relief. We certainly appreciate the fact that our leadership in Georgia understands that, putting that gas tax on suspension at least for another six weeks.”

If prices continue to rise, Pless says, “we may have to extend that exemption even further.”

Should it need to happen again, he believes the governor will do what needs to be done to help Georgians and their families.