“There was a thought, well that they thought a lot of out-of-staters were gonna get all this other stuff, but I think it’s a way to reduce the pinch and we definitely would like to have seen even more,” said DeSantis.īut emails sent by the Governor’s Director of Legislative Affairs obtained by American Oversight show the Governor’s Office sent a draft bill back on December 1 to State Senator Aaron Bean’s staff that included an October-only holiday. The Governor blamed lawmakers in a March press conference for the holiday only lasting one month. Idaho's constitution permits only the governor to call a special session and requires a narrow, well-defined agenda of work during a special session.Governor Ron DeSantis called for a five-month holiday last November, but newly released emails between his staff and legislative staff show the idea for an October-only holiday arose as early as December. Governor Little announced this spring that additional tax cuts would be coming - but he has not specified what those cuts might be. The state brought in an extra $574 million in April alone, further boosting an already record surplus.
![holiday gas station holiday gas station](https://gray-ktuu-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/cxzWEqPa3XQdXDV2djJsp93E4dc=/1200x675/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/CGFME4OIERIHHP7T2NGCRYV244.jpg)
Tax revenue has stayed well above forecasts. “The only thing that remains is the will to do it.” “The state has the money to provide gas tax relief and the need is clear,” he wrote in a news release. Nelson said the proposal is specifically targeted to help Idaho families, small businesses and farmers.
![holiday gas station holiday gas station](https://5ff18f556c81dfebafdf-2daabd27ec997b10ce2c9d0f61c750cc.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/Holiday-S-D55815-1.jpg)
We also recognize the governor has not said this is a bad idea." "The governor is suggesting the previous tax cut gave the relief Idahoans needed. "Democrats’ vote reflected our concern that most of the tax cuts went to the wealthy and well-connected," Nelson wrote in response to the Governor's statement Wednesday. "Every single Idaho Democrat legislator voted against the ongoing tax cuts and immediate tax rebates just a few months ago," read the Governor's statement.ĭemocrats called House Bill 436, the $600 million package of cuts and rebates to personal and corporate income tax rates, misguided.
![holiday gas station holiday gas station](https://s3-media3.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/pVcGvDoAbiZ_-JyeKEFebw/ls.jpg)
Little also referenced tax cuts passed by state lawmakers this session, mostly along party lines. The administration has taken steps to try and curtail rising prices, but higher prices are primarily caused by supply and demand, and international pressures like Russia's invasion of Ukraine factors beyond the reach of any president. He blamed democrats and the Biden Administration for mishandling the economy and driving current inflation and high gas prices. Governor Little is reviewing the request, according to a statement provided by his office. James Ruchti (D-Pocatello) wrote the Governor, "When Idahoans are struggling and the state sits on a significant budget surplus of $1.3 billion, this type of tax relief is helpful, timely and affordable."ĭemocrats suggest a holiday or rebate to provide the tax break, which would cost the state around $180 million. 32 cents of the cost of each gallon is state tax.
![holiday gas station holiday gas station](https://www.efhco.com/sites/default/files/styles/colorbox_full/public/images/1153-1358-holiday-stationstore-8.jpg)
Idaho Democrats sent a letter to Governor Brad Little Wednesday, asking him to call a special legislative session to consider a six-month break from the state's gas tax.Īverage fuel prices in Idaho eclipsed the $5 per gallon mark for the first time Wednesday, and.