Ingram Statement on Gas Tax Holiday Legislation

Today, state Senator Catherine D. Ingram (D-Cincinnati) issued the following statement after the Ohio Senate passed House Bill 519, a bill that was amended at the last minute to include language from Senate Bill 475 temporarily suspending the state’s gas tax on gasoline and diesel.

Ohio families are feeling the squeeze everywhere they turn, from groceries and gas to childcare, utilities, and health care, said Ingram. "I support meaningful relief for Ohioans, and I intended to vote ‘yes’ on relief at the pump. But I cannot support rushing legislation through the Senate, shutting down discussion and denying members the opportunity to offer amendments that could make the relief more substantial for Ohio families. I had an amendment to allow counties to voluntarily test fuel for octane, water, and sediment. If we are serious about helping people at the pump, we should make sure Ohioans are getting what they paid for. Poor-quality or contaminated fuel can lead to costly engine repairs, turning a few dollars of savings at the pump into a much larger expense for families, especially as federal policy continues to change vehicle fuel efficiency standards.

It’s shameful to me that this sense of urgency has suddenly emerged now, when Ohio families have been asking for meaningful, sustained relief for years. If we can consider $726 million for a temporary gas tax holiday, we should have the same urgency when it comes to the costs families face every day. Ohioans deserve lasting solutions that provide relief every day, not just when it’s politically convenient.

Republicans blocked Democrats from speaking to the bill or allowing them to offer prepared amendments to address the affordability crisis and take meaningful action to help Ohioans, including providing mortgage and utility assistance; reducing fees for EV owners; urging Congress to end the war in Iran; appropriating funds for food banks; banning child marriage; providing free breakfast and lunch to K-12 students; expanding access to childcare voucher programs; and using the allocated Browns stadium funding to cover the cost of the gas tax holiday. 

House Bill 519 subsequently passed out of the House and now heads to the governor for his signature.