High gas prices are spurring states to waive taxes and regulations amid midterm election

State officials nationwide are focusing on rising gas and diesel prices tied to the war in Iran COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — State officials nationwide are focusing on rising gas and diesel prices tied to the war in Iran, offering gas tax holidays and other measures to ease costs as affordability remains a top voter concern in the critical midterm elections. The high gas prices took center stage in Ohio on Wednesday, as lawmakers passed a 90-day state gas tax holiday with broad bipartisan support.

Ohio is among at least one-fifth of states that have implemented some form of fuel tax relief, with many taking action within the past week, according to an Associated Press review. Some states have suspended their fuel taxes. Others have temporarily reduced taxes.

And still more have targeted relief only to farmers, loggers and others who use a special type of diesel fuel. The average price of regular gasoline stood at $4.43 a gallon on Wednesday, up roughly 50% since the war with Iran began, according to the AAA motor club. The average price of diesel was $6.41 a gallon — just a few cents shy of a record high set last week.

Here’s what to know about states’ actions on fuel taxes: Ohio governor’s race at center of fuel tax action Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office said he plans to sign legislation that will suspend the 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax through the remainder of this year. The plan taps $725 million from the state’s general fund to pay for roads and bridges typically funded by fuel taxes.

Republican legislative leaders scrambled to recall lawmakers to the Statehouse after Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton called for a gas tax holiday last week and rival Republican Vivek Ramaswamy announced a plan to do the same a few hours later. The two are locked in a closely fought contest to succeed DeWine, a term-limited Republican. Democrats criticized Ramaswamy for taking credit for Acton’s idea, while Ramaswamy’s allies said his plan had substance and Acton’s consisted of “tweets.” Ramaswamy’s running mate, Rob McColley, is the Ohio Senate president.

On Wednesday, McColley used a technical maneuver to quickly close debate on the measure, suggesting Democrats were preparing for nothing more than “theatrics.” Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio said one proposal would have called for an end to the Iran war. Michele Reynolds, a co-sponsor of the legislation, said it “will provide much-needed rel…