Democratic Leader Sen. Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, announced today that he supports allowing Tennessee to participate in a suspension of the 18-cents-per-gallon federal gas tax.
Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and John McCain have proposed such a national gas tax holiday as consumers face the crunch of gas prices that have topped $3.50 per gallon. However, Tennessee may not be allowed to take part in the program, he said.
Under current state law, Tennessee's gas tax must be increased to make up the difference if the federal gas tax is decreased. In 2006, Sen. Kyle passed a two-year suspension of this law. That suspension expires on July 1.
"If 49 states in the country are going to have a gas tax holiday, then I believe that Tennessee should have one, too," he said. "I'm committed to making sure that we get a break at the gas pumps just like everyone else."
Sen. Kyle said he intends to address the issue in the Tax Subcommittee of Senate Finance, Ways, and Means on Monday at 12:30 p.m. CDT (12 Legislative Plaza) during discussion of the Technical Corrections Bill.