FreedomWorks Statement in Opposition to Proposed Ohio Gas Tax Increase

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to the Ohio State Legislature’s conference committee today regarding legislation to raise the State of Ohio’s gas tax by 64 percent, John McAvoy, FreedomWorks Activist and President of the Ohio Liberty Coalition, commented:

“Governor DeWine’s push for a higher gas tax flies in the face of the nearly two-thirds of Ohioans who oppose it. We can’t let a bill that wants to raise our taxes and increase the price of transportation, shipping and standard of living throughout the Buckeye State.

“Even worse, the proposal comes without a provision for a performance audit by the state auditor. As with any proposed tax increase, we demand to know whether the members of the legislature are being good stewards of our tax dollars. We want evidence, and without a performance audit, there is no way we should allow this bill to pass.”

Tom Zawitowski, FreedomWorks Activist and President of the Ohio-based We the People Convention, commented:

"Governor DeWine previously called for an $0.18 increase, but seems to have settled for $0.11 instead. After all his ‘sky-is-falling" rhetoric, what is the real number? The We the People Convention agrees with the general feeling in the Senate that a $.06 increase, which would be offset by tax cuts in other areas, is the correct path to take."

Adam Brandon, FreedomWorks President, commented:

“FreedomWorks’ Ohio grassroots activists are coming out strong against this big government proposal to raise taxes. FreedomWorks is committed to small government, lower taxes and economic freedom. Our grassroots activists will continue to drive actions to the Ohio state house in opposition to this tax hike.”

A recent poll shows that nearly two-thirds of Ohioans oppose the proposed gas tax increase.