Massachusetts House Democrats Reject Healey’s Proposal to Suspend Gas Tax

BOSTON, Mass. — Massachusetts House Democrats have rejected Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax, leaving drivers without the proposed tax relief as lawmakers consider a major state spending bill.

Healey proposed suspending the state’s 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax for two months in response to rising fuel prices. The proposal was included in legislation she filed in September 2026.

However, House leaders left the gas tax suspension out of a roughly $2.4 billion spending bill scheduled for consideration this week.

Why lawmakers rejected the proposal

House budget leaders questioned whether suspending the tax would deliver meaningful savings to consumers. They also raised concerns about whether fuel distributors and retailers would pass the full tax reduction along to drivers.

State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, the House’s budget committee chairman, expressed skepticism that the proposal would provide substantial relief to families struggling with higher living costs.

The state gas tax also helps support transportation infrastructure, including road and bridge projects.

What this means for Plymouth County drivers

For drivers across Plymouth County and the South Shore, the decision means the proposed temporary tax break will not take effect under the spending bill as currently drafted.

Had the suspension been approved and fully passed on to consumers, the maximum direct reduction would have been 24 cents per gallon.

For example, a driver purchasing 15 gallons could have saved up to $3.60 per fill-up. Actual savings would have depended on whether the tax reduction was reflected in pump prices.

The proposal’s rejection does not itself increase the existing gas tax. It means drivers will continue paying the tax under the current system unless lawmakers approve a separate change.

What happens next?

The House is expected to consider the spending bill without the proposed gas tax suspension. Healey’s proposal would require legislative approval to take effect.

The debate comes as Massachusetts residents face pressure from fuel costs and other household expenses. Whether lawmakers pursue another form of relief remains to be seen.

Plimoth Today will continue following Massachusetts policy decisions affecting Plymouth County residents.

Source: MassLive.com, with additional background from Massachusetts state government and reporting by The Boston Globe.