Last night, KET’s Renee Shaw hosted legislative leaders to discuss topics facing the 2023 General Assembly.

BIPPS provided a question on the gas tax for the panel and Shaw was good enough to include it on her show. Here’s a transcript of the question and answers from the legislators:

Question: Last summer Gov. Beshear issued an emergency regulation to keep the gas tax from increasing. His executive action expires this month. Will the General Assembly take action when it returns to statutorily freeze the gas tax or does it prefer a potential gas tax increase based upon the current formula?

Sen. Robert Stivers: “I don’t think the Governor had the authority to (issue the emergency regulation) but he did it. He did something we agree with, but the process was wrong…at this point in time when everybody is getting hit with inflationary costs I don’t see us deviating on that or at least suspending this increase because individuals cannot afford to have any more costs that have been driven by the (current) economic dynamics.”

Rep. David Meade: “It is on the list (for) the next four weeks when we go back into session to determine some of the issues we’re going to deal with.”

Rep. Derrick Graham: “I support what the Governor did. That was the best thing he could’ve done. I do think we need to work with the Governor because people are going through some tough times right now.”

Sen. Gerald Neal: “I think we need to support the needs of the people and if that’s something with a positive impact…then we ought to support that…(because) people need that relief.”

The Bluegrass Institute has called on the General Assembly to enact an 18-month freeze of the gas tax, providing time for the broken formula to be overhauled.

Last night’s responses were positive. Still, it will take action by the legislature when they return to prevent the possibility that higher gas taxes will go into effect in 2023.