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Ohio lawmakers pass state gas tax holiday legislation

The Ohio General Assembly has passed bi-partisan legislation providing temporary fuel cost relief and establishing a 90-day state gas and diesel tax suspension.

Ohio Senate President Rob McColley says the measure was introduced to lower transportation costs for farmers as diesel prices remain at record highs.

“We understand that you’re being pinched from both sides right now,” he says. “Input costs are up, property taxes are up. The amount of money that you’re able to get when you sell into the markets is down. We recognize this struggle and we want to put an environment in place that ensures that our farmers are still able to be competitive.”

West central Ohio farmer Scott Haerr says diesel is now one of the biggest production expenses for farmers heading into harvest.

“It’s our biggest need for fuel of the year,” he says. “With the price of diesel where it is today, it’s really looking bad on the budget.”

The measure also allocates $725 million from the state’s General Revenue Fund to fund state highway projects.

The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk for signature.

AUDIO: Scott Haerr