Press Release Says, Lt. Governor Urges Legislators to Extend Fuel Tax Suspension

(July 16, 2009, Anchorage, AK) – Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell today personally called on legislators to extend a suspension of the eight-cent-per gallon motor fuels tax. The tax is scheduled to go back into effect September 1.

“I am asking the legislature to add this item to their special session agenda,” Parnell said. “Alaskans are paying some of the highest gasoline prices in the nation. This is not the time to add to that burden with higher taxes.”

Last year, Governor Sarah Palin initiated and signed a one year suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax on gasoline, diesel, marine fuel and aviation fuel. That fuel tax suspension is scheduled to expire unless the legislature takes action by September 1.

“I’m asking the legislature to join me in this opportunity to help Alaskans at the pump,” Parnell said. “While gas prices have eased somewhat from last year, they’re still running well above historic norms. Legislators should expand their call for a special session to either extend the fuel tax suspension, or repeal the tax altogether.”

Legislators announced Wednesday they would call a special session for August 10 to take up the confirmation of Lieutenant General Craig Campbell as Lieutenant Governor and to consider an appropriations veto. Legislators may add topics to their call for a special session.

“I, too, join in asking legislators to take up this important topic. Stopping the tax increase on September 1st puts government back on the side of the people once again,” said Governor Palin.