Ohio legislature returns early, pre midterm vote, after governor nominees call to suspend gas tax

The GOP-led Ohio legislature will reportedly return early to the state capital, before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, to address a call from both gubernatorial nominees to suspend a gas tax to lower prices at the pump for potential voters. 

The idea was raised last week by Democrat nominee Amy Acton and GOP nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, with fellow state Republicans in support, according to The Daily Signal. 

The state legislature was not set to return until after the election. Republicans have a supermajority, and Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley appear in favor of suspending the state gas tax. McColley is Ramaswamy’s pick for lieutenant governor.

Ramaswamy wants to suspend the 38.5-cent gas tax and 47-cent tax on diesel for 90 days. And he has suggested covering the lost revenue from suspending the tax, estimated at over $600 million, with an appropriation from Ohio’s Department of Transportation, the General Revenue Fund and, “if needed,” the Rainy Day Fund.