By Clint Thompson
Economic relief was a focus during last week’s session in the Georgia Legislature. One of the main impacts was seen on Friday when Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation (HB 1199) which suspends the state’s gas and diesel taxes for 60 days.
The suspension was needed amid the conflict in Iran which has led to gas prices soaring in recent weeks. It also came at an opportune time for Georgia farmers with planting season approaching, says Georgia Agribusiness Council (GAC) President Will Bentley.
“It’s been a good week for agriculture and a few things going on the tax front. The most immediate relief will come in the form of the state suspending the fuel tax. It’s about 33 cents on every gallon of regular gasoline and 37 cents on diesel,” Bentley said. “That was a huge deal, especially with a lot of members and farmers around the state starting to hit the field as planting season starts. We know a huge part of our costs of inputs are going in now. We’re glad to see that relief as fuel prices have continued to rise across the country with what’s going on in the middle east right now.”
According to AAA, average price per gallon of regular gasoline in Georgia on March 20 was $3.79, compared to $3.46 a week ago and $2.70 a month ago. Diesel costs were $5.25 per gallon compared to $3.53 a month ago.