Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates Healey, Minogue take aim at gas prices
Both are proposing holiday for state gas tax
BOSTON —
With two different political perspectives, both of Massachusetts’ gubernatorial candidates have landed on the same policy: Suspend the state’s $0.24 per gallon gas tax.
In a critical speech blaming President Donald Trump’s policies and war in Iran for rising gas prices, Gov. Maura Healey announced Tuesday that she is proposing a two-month suspension of the gas tax.
“We’re in a crisis and we need action,” Healey said.
Her Republican opponent in the governor’s race, Mike Minogue, is also calling for Massachusetts to suspend the state’s gas tax.
“I’m glad she’s taking the lead, but unfortunately, she’s only planning to do it for two months,” he said outside the State House. “After the election, it will be back to business as normal.”
Minogue suggested the tax could be permanently eliminated.
“A plan that takes effect, a gas holiday, any time gas is above $4, but also look to find permanent waste and fraud and excess that we can eliminate the gas tax,” he said.
“The thing that Mike Minogue could do is actually call his buddy Donald Trump, who he supports,” Healey said. “And say to Donald, ‘You know what Donald, I changed my mind. This war isn’t working out so good for the American public. Why don’t you stop the war.'”
The governor said she spent the last few weeks working with her team on her proposed legislation and estimated that pausing in the tax would cost the state about $120 million. She is proposing to cover the gap with money from the state’s surtax on millionaires.
Gas prices today
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Massachusetts on Tuesday is $4.40, up from $4.06 one month ago and $3.11 one year ago.
The average price for a gallon of diesel is $6.39, up from $5.57 one month ago and $3.85 one year ago.
Minogue is also expected to speak about his plans on Tuesday.
Other fuel cost issues
Heating oil prices are also on the rise, leaving homeowners concerned about their upcoming winter bills. It’s the highest average price in at least five years, according to state data.
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Meanwhile, the state’s two largest natural gas providers both say their cost for fuel is down from last winter’s average, but some customers may see overall bills rise because of other costs, including gas pipeline construction and state programs.