February 9th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus announced its 2023 Legislative Agenda this week with an effort to halt yearly hikes at the gas pumps topping the list. For the second year, Senate Republicans are working to repeal the automatic, annual gas tax increase that is tied to inflation. On July 1, 2022, Maryland’s gas tax jumped by 19.4% and increased by nearly 43 cents per gallon, making it the fourth-highest gas tax in the Country. As the United States continues to grapple with high inflation, continued sharp increases to Maryland’s gas tax can be expected into the future. State Senator Mike Mckay, who represents Western Maryland, tells WCBC News that repealing the automatic increase is also a matter of transparency and accountability. Every year, the gas tax increases without public input and a vote of the General Assembly. He says that if legislators want to increase the gas tax, they need to follow the legislative process and be held accountable…