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Healey Files Two-Month Pause on Massachusetts Gas Tax

She says surplus revenue from the state's surtax on high earners will fund about $120 million in short-term relief for drivers.

Gas prices have reached new highs in the wake of the Iran war.
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Maura Healey proposing a 2-month gas tax holiday at the State House on Sept. 22, 2026.

Overview

  • The governor filed legislation Tuesday to suspend the state’s 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax for two months, aiming to lower pump prices for consumers.
  • Healey estimates the pause would deliver roughly $120 million in relief and says the money would come from projected surplus collections of the Fair Share surtax on high earners.
  • Key legislative leaders have pushed back, with House Speaker Ron Mariano calling any suspension fiscally irresponsible because the gas tax normally pays for roads and bridges.
  • Republican opponent Mike Minogue urged a larger or longer holiday and criticized Healey’s two-month plan as too limited and timed for the election campaign.
  • Gas prices in Massachusetts are at multi-month highs, about $4.40 a gallon for regular and roughly $6.39 to $6.40 for diesel, and the proposal now must clear the Legislature before taking effect.