ACEC Ohio Legislative Update

Ohio Leaders Propose 90-Day Suspension of Motor Fuel Tax

Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy, House Speaker Matt Huffman and Senate President Rob McColley are supporting a proposal to temporarily suspend the state’s 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax for 90 days, citing rising fuel costs and affordability concerns for Ohio families and businesses. Supporters estimate savings of approximately $165 for a two-driver household and as much as $1,800 for some commercial truck operators during the suspension.

The proposal is expected to reduce motor fuel tax collections by approximately $640 million to $700 million. Legislative leaders have indicated that transportation funding would be replaced with other state resources and that road and bridge construction and maintenance would continue.

State Representatives Andrea White and Jim Thomas are expected to introduce the legislation, with lawmakers indicating they intend to move it quickly. Because the bill is expected to include an emergency clause, it would require a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate to take effect immediately.

The key consideration is ensuring that any replacement funding protects Ohio’s long-term investment in roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.  ACEC Ohio will share the legislation once it is introduced, if you are talking to legislative members in your district be sure to share the message of keeping ODOT whole, do not use their cash balance to replenish the lost revenue to locals and the state. 

Link to proposal: https://vivekforohio.com/vivek-and-ohio-gop-leaders-unveil-gas-tax-relief-plan/

ODOT estimates a three-month gas tax would result in the loss of approximately: 

◦ $382M in revenue for ODOT projects and operations

◦ $72.6M in revenue used to pay ODOT debt service 

◦ $15.3M in revenue for the Public Work Commission

◦ $300K for the PUCO for grade crossing projects

◦ $252.9M for local government projects

▪ $91.6M for Counties

▪ $106.2M for Municipalities

▪ $55.1M for Townships