DALLAS — While motorists may welcome any effort to lower prices at the fuel pump, economists say suspending the state gas tax could impact funding for roads, highways and public education.
In response to Comptroller Glenn Hegar’s report on Thursday that he expects the roaring economy to add $13.7 billion to the state surplus, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced that he supports suspending state gas taxes through the end of the year as part of a larger effort to return surplus money to taxpayers.
The state collects 20 cents per gallon on gasoline and diesel fuels. Data from the comptroller’s office recently showed that revenue from the state’s motor fuel taxes is on pace to meet pre-pandemic levels.
