Gubernatorial candidate Lindy Blanchard spoke on Tuesday about what she claimed was a critical need to suspend the 2019 gas tax increase.
Blanchard spoke at a Chevron gas station on Lurleen B Wallace Blvd S in Tuscaloosa to emphasize the impact of high gasoline prices on every Alabamian.
“A recent study showed that increasing prices at the pump are impacting Alabamians more than any other state in the nation, said Blanchard. "I know you need help immediately. Today, not tomorrow, not after the election. That's why we are here today."
Current gas prices are high and could rise this summer when many Americans customarily travel for vacations. Many people in the state are paying over four dollars per gallon for gasoline. Diesel, which is the fuel that American industry uses to haul most goods and services and the fuel that powers the tractors on most American farms is even higher. The US Retail Diesel Price is at a current level of $5.134 per gallon, which is actually down from $5.25 per gallon last week and up from $3.191 one year ago. This is a 60.89% increase from one year ago today.
“I call on our Governor and state legislators to suspend the gasoline tax now," said Blanchard. "They should have already done this. This would bring immediate relief to hardworking Alabamians during a time of high inflation and the highest gas prices in our state’s history. It’s the job of our state leaders, like the Governor, to find solutions to help our people, and I believe that starts with putting more of your money back in your pockets.”
Blanchard has launched the SuspendTheGasTax.com website to urge Alabamians to sign a petition calling on the Governor and legislature to suspend and repeal the 2019 Gas Tax.
Blanchard is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from Montgomery, Ala. She most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia.
Lindy Blanchard, Lew Burdette, Stacy George, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Donald Trent Jones, Dean Odle, Dave Thomas, and Dean Young are all running in the 2022 Republican primary for governor on May 24.
The eventual winner of the Republican primary will face the winner of the Alabama Democratic primary where Yolanda Rochelle Flowers, Chad “Chig” Martin, and Malika Sanders-Fortier are running for the Democratic nomination for Governor.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
