Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed suspending the state’s motor fuel taxes until June 2023.
Dunleavy joined a growing number of governors and legislators who’ve supported a break in their state’s fuel taxes.
In Alaska, the tax on gasoline is 8 cents per gallon.
Dunleavy said the suspension would help Alaskans affected by rising fuel prices and inflation.
Dunleavy offered the proposal as an amendment to a bill that’s been advancing in the Legislature. The current version of the bill would increase a surcharge on refined fuel by just over one half of 1 cent per gallon. The money would be used to fund the state Division of Spill Prevention and Response.
Bill sponsor Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, said he would support the amendment to provide short-term relief.
Democratic candidate for governor Les Gara proposed suspending the tax earlier this week.
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Andrew Kitchenman is the state government and politics reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO in Juneau. Reach him at akitchenman@alaskapublic.org.
