Brian Shortsleeve for Massachusetts BOSTON, MA — Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve today called on Governor Maura Healey and Beacon Hill leaders to immediately suspend the Massachusetts gas tax until prices fall below $2.50 per gallon, citing the sharp spike in fuel costs that is hitting working families and commuters across the state.
Gas prices in Massachusetts have jumped in the past week, while home heating oil prices have also surged, placing new financial pressure on households already struggling with high housing, food, and utility costs.
“Families across Massachusetts are getting crushed by rising energy prices, and Beacon Hill’s response has been to do nothing,” said Shortsleeve. “The state should immediately suspend the gas tax to give taxpayers and commuters some relief while prices remain this high.”
Shortsleeve also criticized the Healey administration for failing to address the underlying causes of high energy costs in Massachusetts.
“For years, Maura Healey and Beacon Hill climate activists have blocked new pipelines and energy infrastructure that would have made Massachusetts less vulnerable to global supply shocks,” Shortsleeve said. “Now families are paying the price every time the world becomes unstable and energy costs spike.”
Shortsleeve said suspending the gas tax would provide immediate relief while Massachusetts rethinks its long-term energy policies.
“Massachusetts needs leadership that takes energy affordability seriously,” Shortsleeve said. “As governor, I will build the pipelines and energy infrastructure we need so families have reliable, affordable energy and are no longer at the mercy of global crises and bad Beacon Hill policies.”