Just when you thought Jay Inslee cared for you.

Seattle WA

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Seeking to soften the blow of higher gas prices on consumers, a handful of states have suspended their gas taxes, and several other states may soon follow. Gas prices, which had already been climbing during the pandemic, rose to new highs in recent weeks in part because the war in Ukraine led to more volatility in the energy market. The average cost of gas in the United States hit a record high on March 11 at $4.33 per gallon, according to AAA. Although that number has since declined to an average of $4.24 per gallon, it is still 18 percent higher than it was last month and 48 percent more than it was a year ago. Some states are using budget surpluses from federal pandemic aid and increased tax revenue to cover the cost of suspending gas taxes for the next several weeks or months. Others are also considering pausing fares for public transportation. On March 18, Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland announced that the state would suspend its tax of 36.1 cents per gallon for gasoline, and its slightly higher tax for diesel fuel, for the next 30 days, a measure that will cost the state $100 million. “As we continue to stand in solidarity against Russian aggression in Ukraine, and as Marylanders face the impact of surging inflation, with the average price of gas rapidly rising, this bipartisan action will provide some relief for the pain at the pump,” Mr. Hogan said as he signed the bill into law. That same day, Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia signed a bill suspending the state’s gas tax until May 31. On March 24, Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut announced that his state would temporarily suspended the 25 cents per gallon excise tax — as well as fares needed to ride a public bus — from April 1 to June 30. Officials in other states are considering similar measures, but not Washington state. Gov. Jay Inslee has shot down the suggestion. Washington has the highest gas tax in the nation at 49 cents per gallon. In Ohio, where gas prices have risen 21 percent over the past month, Republican lawmakers are considering a gas tax cut that would cost up to $4 billion over the next five years.