MI Lawmakers Seek Vote To Pause State's Gas Tax

MICHIGAN — Just after Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined five other governors in calling on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax, state lawmakers said Wednesday they plan to vote on legislation to pause the state's gas tax.

The legislation would suspend the 27 cents per gallon tax on gas and diesel fuel products for the next six months, beginning April 1. Republican leaders in the State House are expected to call the vote Wednesday afternoon. The Senate could also vote on the measure as early as Wednesday.

The announcement from lawmakers come as Michigan's gas prices continue rising, nearing record average prices. Prices in metro Detroit jumped another seven cents overnight, making for an average of $4.25, which is among the highest in the state, according to AAA.

Experts warned those prices could continue rising if conditions worsen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Tuesday, President Biden announced a ban on all Russian oil, a move he said would cripple Russia's ability to sustain the war in Ukraine, but could also make for $5 per-gallon gas in Michigan.

This is a developing story. Stay with Patch for updates