Beshear extends gas tax reduction in communities that requested it

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says his executive order creating a state of emergency and reducing the state’s gas tax ten cents was aimed at helping Kentucky families amid rising costs following military action in Iran, and he felt the state was in a position to do so.

“I think government is here to help our people, and this was a choice between further hitting the budget of a family that doesn’t have any savings anymore and is wondering if they can pay the bills, versus hitting the budget of a state that has almost $3 billion in a rainy day fund and can absolutely make up for it,” Beshear said. “This is a rainy day for our families, and I want to make sure that we are there for them.”

Beshear discussed the executive order during his Team Kentucky Update Thursday. He said the order was expected to save Kentuckians $26.8 million over a one month period.

Beshear said state laws that came after the COVID-19 pandemic prevent him from extending a state of emergency more than a month without the request of a mayor or a county judge/executive. The governor announced that effective Thursday the order was extended in communities that requested it.

“33 communities had submitted their request, and I extended the order in those areas,” Beshear said. “In those areas, gas will or should be less expensive than in other areas. The extension will last through June 30.”

Communities that requested an extension include the City of Muldraugh, the City of West Point, and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government. More information on the executive order can be found on the governor’s website.