By Bob Katzen
Mike Monogue, the Republican candidate for governor, proposed a suspension of the state’s 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax whenever prices climb above $4 per gallon.
“A gas tax holiday is a commonsense solution for hardworking Massachusetts families,” said Minogue. “The Legislature must put the people first and get this done. As governor, I’ll do the audit and free up millions lost to waste, fraud and abuse — allowing us to provide relief to Massachusetts families.”
Minogue continued, “Maura Healey’s transportation and climate agenda points the other way. Instead of lifting the tax on a gallon, allies on Beacon Hill have advanced plans to measure how many miles residents drive and use that figure to cut car travel, with a per-mile tax left on the table as a future tool. A miles-driven tax does not wait for a spike at the pump. It charges people for going to work, taking kids to school and living outside a transit line.”
Healey responded by filing a supplemental budget that includes a two-month suspension of the gas tax. Her budget goes further and also includes $2.25 million to strengthen postpartum care and mental health support for mothers and families; a cap on ticket resale prices and fees; $41.5 million for the Department of Transitional Assistance for caseworkers and technological upgrades to help people stay enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite President Trump’s cuts; funding for MassHealth, public safety and other state services; and changes to how utility companies purchase electricity for customers on basic service, which Healey estimated would save ratepayers $610 million.
“While President Trump is driving up costs with his war and tariffs, in Massachusetts, we’re doing everything we can to make life more affordable for people and businesses,” said Gov. Healey. “This budget will lower costs at the gas pump, when buying concert and sports tickets and on energy bills, while also making sure families can continue to access the health care, food assistance and services they rely on.”
“Families across Massachusetts are working hard, and we are focused on making life more affordable while protecting the services they rely on,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This legislation provides immediate cost relief and strengthens support for food assistance, maternal health, public safety and other critical needs.”