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House Democrats have renewed their push for a special session to cut the gas tax in light of record high prices.
This time of year gas prices typically fall. Right now they’re at record highs nationwide for autumn, according to Triple A which tracks the prices. In West Virginia the average price is roughly $4.25, below the national average but up almost $1.30 from a year ago.
House Minority leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, appealed directly to Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
“Governor, when you hear this, the time is now,” Hornbuckle said. “Right now, all the surrounding states are helping their people and beating us while we just watch our neighbors spend half of their paycheck at the gas pump.”
According to the state Tax Division West Virginia’s gas tax is currently 35.7 cents per gallon including a variable percentage.
“That number is going to go up and the wholesale price of gas is going to get more expensive in West Virginia if we don’t do something,” Del. Kayla Young, D-Kanawha, said. “Seven states have paused or stopped their gas tax increases this year already, including Ohio and Kentucky. Of those states, almost all of them have Republican legislatures. So this is not just a Democratic issue. This is something that people want for relief for families.”
Morrisey’s office did not respond to a request for comment.