Whitmer Shrugs Off Gas Tax Holiday While Georgia Gives Drivers Relief

Governor Rejects Tax Relief as Michigan Gas Prices Climb—Blames National Factors While Other States Act

LANSING, MI - As gasoline prices climb toward $4 per gallon in Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is pushing back against calls for a gas tax holiday, arguing that a single state cannot offset national price pressures. Meanwhile, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation suspending Georgia's gas tax for 60 days to provide relief to drivers.

The contrast between Whitmer's inaction and Georgia's swift response highlights a fundamental difference in how Democratic and Republican governors are responding to rising fuel costs. While Whitmer deflects and makes excuses, Michigan drivers continue to pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation.

Georgia Acts, Michigan Waits

On March 18, 2026, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill suspending the state's 33-cent gas tax for 60 days as fuel prices climbed. The move was designed to provide immediate relief to Georgia drivers facing higher costs at the pump.

When asked about a similar gas tax holiday for Michigan, Governor Whitmer was reluctant and dismissive. She argued that one state cannot offset national gas price pressures and suggested that a gas tax holiday would not meaningfully help Michigan residents. She also stated she does not want to "over promise people on something we can't deliver."

But this argument falls apart when you consider that Georgia just did exactly what Whitmer says is impossible.

Michigan's Gas Tax Problem

Michigan's gas tax is among the highest in the nation. At the beginning of 2026, state lawmakers altered the gas tax structure, eliminating the 6% sales tax on gasoline but raising the flat motor fuel tax from 31 cents to 52.4 cents per gallon. This means Michigan drivers pay a higher flat tax on every gallon of gas they purchase.

For a driver filling up a 15-gallon tank, Michigan's gas tax adds approximately $7.86 to the cost. Over a month of driving, that adds up to significant costs that could be temporarily suspended to provide relief.

Whitmer's Excuse: It Won't Help

Governor Whitmer's primary argument against a gas tax holiday is that it won't meaningfully help consumers because national factors—not state taxes—are driving gas prices higher. She claims that suspending the state gas tax would not provide enough relief to justify the loss of revenue.

But this argument ignores the reality that every penny saved at the pump helps Michigan families struggling with rising costs. A 60-day suspension of Michigan's 52.4-cent gas tax would save drivers approximately $7.86 per fill-up, or roughly $31 per month for the average driver.

For low-income families already struggling to afford gas, food, and other necessities, $31 per month is meaningful relief.

The Pattern of Inaction

Whitmer's reluctance to support a gas tax holiday fits a broader pattern of her administration prioritizing revenue collection over consumer relief. While the governor has approved massive rate increases for Consumers Energy and other utilities, she resists providing tax relief to struggling Michigan families.

The contrast is stark: Whitmer approved a $276.6 million electric rate increase that will cost Michigan families hundreds of dollars per year, but she refuses to provide temporary relief from the gas tax that would cost families just $31 per month.

What Whitmer Could Do

If Whitmer truly wanted to help Michigan drivers, she could:

1. Support a 60-day gas tax suspension similar to Georgia's, providing immediate relief at the pump
2. Propose legislation to reduce Michigan's 52.4-cent gas tax permanently
3. Work with the legislature to provide targeted relief to low-income drivers and seniors

Instead, Whitmer is doing nothing while Georgia acts and Michigan drivers continue to pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation.

The Bottom Line

Governor Whitmer's refusal to support a gas tax holiday is not based on sound economic reasoning. It is based on a desire to protect state revenue at the expense of Michigan families struggling with rising costs.

Georgia's Governor Kemp proved that a state can act to provide gas tax relief. Whitmer's excuses about national factors and over-promising ring hollow when compared to the real action being taken in other states.

Michigan drivers deserve better. They deserve a governor who will fight for their interests, not one who shrugs off their concerns while approving massive rate increases for utilities.

The question for Michigan voters is simple: Why should Whitmer get to approve a $276.6 million rate increase for Consumers Energy but refuse to provide temporary relief from the gas tax?