Gas Tax Suspension Passed In MI; Whitmer ‘Encouraged’ By Bill would work

MICHIGAN — Lawmakers in the state Senate passed a measure Thursday pausing the state's gas taxes, which would save Michigan drivers 51 cents per gallon at the pump.

The bill would temporarily suspend the state's 6 percent sales tax on gas and the 27-cent-per-gallon excise gas tax. The suspension would go into effect on June 15 and last through Sept. 15.

The bill is likely to gain Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's support, since it was passed in a bipartisan manner. A spokesperson for Whitmer also said the governor was "encouraged" by the Senate package.

"She has called for relief at the pump for Michigan drivers," spokesperson Bobby Leddy told Bridge Michigan. "The governor looks forward to working with the Legislature on a broader bipartisan agreement that puts Michigan first by cutting taxes and providing real relief right now for our seniors and working families."

Whitmer vetoed a similar package last month, arguing the "misguided proposal does nothing for Michiganders facing pain at the pump right now."

The average price per gallon of regular gas in Michigan was up to $4.56 Friday morning, dropping just 1 cent from its record high last week, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, regular gas in the metro Detroit area continues climbing, setting another record high Friday morning at $4.61, according to AAA.