Florida Democrats are calling to suspend the state gas tax, while blaming President Donald Trump and Republicans for the increased costs.
Florida Democrats are saying that in the short time since President Trump’s administration started the war with Iran, gasoline prices for Floridians have soared, noting that the average cost for a gallon of gas was $3.71, and more than ten cents more than the national average.
“Gas prices are skyrocketing and Florida has one of the biggest spikes across the country,” stated Congressman Maxwell Frost, an Orlando Democrat. “Why? Because Donald Trump started a reckless war with Iran that’s causing chaos in the global markets — and working people are footing the bill.”
The Florida House Democratic Caucus joined the Florida Senate Democrats in calling for the temporary suspension of the state’s gas tax.
“Floridians were already struggling with the skyrocketing cost of living and now they’re being squeezed even more at the pump,” said Florida House Democratic Caucus Leader Fentrice Driskell, a Tampa Democrat. “Despite Democrats talking about it every week, this legislative session has been a failure to help Florida’s working families and seniors. The least we could do is to suspend this tax and save people a few dollars every time they fill up.”
Florida Senate Democrats called for a temporary suspension of motor fuel taxes because costs have increased from the war in Iran.
AAA also said that the price per gallon of gas was increasing at a drastic rate, and state and local taxes add to the final price.
However, this political move will not really make a significant difference and may even have a negative long-term impact. Florida gas taxes fund transportation construction, maintenance, and repair of local roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Any savings on gas prices using this tactic could come at another expense for taxpayers.
Central Florida Representative Darren Soto, a Democrat being challenged by Republicans, also jumped in to blame the war and President Trump. “Gas prices rose to $3.79 in Central Florida this week due to the Iran War. This is a surge of nearly $1 in March. Gas will likely continue to increase as the war continues,” Rep. Soto posted. “Remember when Trump promised to lower gas prices?”
