DeMora Statement on Gas Tax Holiday Legislation

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) 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 to temporarily suspend the state’s tax on gasoline and diesel.

This whole process was completely unethical and shows just how corrupt those in power can be, from blocking amendments in committee to refusing to allow any members to speak on the floor about this bill, said DeMora. Ohioans deserve better than the dictatorship that oversaw the passage of this bill. The fact that the Republicans blocked my colleagues and I from even speaking on the floor, shows how we were not even considered in this process. The whole thing is complete bullshit, and I hope the governor vetoes it!

Democrats had planned to offer a variety of amendments to address the affordability crisis and take meaningful action to help Ohioans, including using unclaimed funds as an alternative funding source; reducing fees for EV owners; urging Congress to end the war in Iran; appropriating funds for food banks; and banning child marriage.  All of these amendments were not even brought up for consideration, in committee or on the floor.

House Bill 519 now heads to the Ohio House for concurrence.

Attached here is a copy of Senator DeMora’s speech, had he been given the opportunity to speak on the floor.