Local drivers react to Gov. Ducey’s reluctance to repeal state gas tax

Ducey says focus should instead be on energy production and referenced how the 18 cent tax helps fund road repair and construction - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Part of the recent sky-high gas prices is the included Arizona state tax of 18 cents a gallon.

Governor Doug Ducey recently announced he plans on leaving the tax in place, and local drivers felt differently about the issue.

In the article with Howard Fischer Media Services, Ducey went on to say a focus should instead be put on energy production.

The governor also mentioned how the tax helps to fund road repairs and construction.

This as prices throughout Arizona average around four dollars and 61 cents a gallon, according to AAA.
The cost has put a strain on residents like Penny Johnson, who says the higher costs have been forcing her to cut back on things she needs, like medication.

“They’re to prevent strokes and heart attacks because I have some health issues and I had to tell her I can’t afford my medicine,” Johnson said.

Johnson is in favor of putting the tax on hold but also understands where Ducey is coming from.

“I think if we suspended the tax like for a year and then revisited it later, I think that governments need money to run on, so I understand why the tax is there and I actually do agree that we do need a form of taxation,” Johnson said.

However, not everyone was in complete agreement with Ducey.

Tuscon resident Scott Smith constantly stops for gas in Yuma on road trips.

With the county average at $4.64 a gallon, Smith would like to see more action taken.

“The state of Arizona can definitely do something to help us and I hope that Governor Ducey would change his way of thinking about this,” Smith said.

All this comes just weeks after Arizona Senator Mark Kelly helped introduce the gas prices relief act, which, if passed would suspend the federal gas tax, of 18.4 cents a gallon.