President Biden’s Blame-game is not helping Americans
Baltimore County – In response to record-high gas and energy prices, Congressman Andy Harris,
and Delegate Kathy Szeliga are calling on leaders in Annapolis and Washington DC to find
solutions to the pain at the pump – both in the short-term and long-term.
At a press conference Monday morning, Congressman Harris said, “It’s time for President Biden
to stop the blame-game and unleash American energy independence. Joe Biden and House
Democrats’ war on American energy is responsible for the pain at the pump Americans are feeling.
This is Biden’s Price Hike, and Americans know it. It’s time to unleash American energy
dominance.”
Harris and Szeliga outlined solutions to deliver relief for Maryland families. The largest profits
from gas sales are reaped by the government. The combined state and federal gas taxes in Maryland will soon be more than 61 cents per gallon! Meanwhile Biden and Democrats are blaming energy
companies and gas station owners for price hikes, which is a theatrical distraction given that their
profit per gallon is much lower than that.
“On July 1, the Maryland gas tax will automatically increase another 7 cents per gallon,” said
Delegate Szeliga. “The leadership in Annapolis could stop this increase and reinstate a gas tax
holiday to help offset the burden of high gas prices. Bringing down the cost of energy in Maryland
should be a top priority for lawmakers. This should include addressing not only these historic gas
prices but the sky-rocketing cost of all energy including home-heating oil.”
Given the global nature of oil prices, Maryland has limited options to help its citizens, and tax
relief is one of them. Recent attempts to call a Special Session to stop this tax increase has been
blocked by the presiding officers.
“The Democrat leadership at the state and federal levels are turning a blind eye and blaming
everyone but themselves. This is ridiculous,” said Delegate Szeliga. “Maryland has a $7-billion
budget surplus AND there will be a record amount of federal infrastructure spending flowing into
Maryland. There is no reason not to do everything we can to ease the struggle for Marylanders.”
During the 2022 General Assembly Session, multiple attempts were made to extend the gas tax
holiday and to stop the automatic increase in the gas tax. These efforts either stalled in Committee
or voted down by the Democrat majority.
When President Joe Biden took office, gas was $2.39 per gallon. Today, the national average is
about $5.00 per gallon. Diesel prices have skyrocketed 75% in one year. Economists are projecting
gas prices may surpass $6.00/gallon this year.
Harris and Szeliga are urging lawmakers to stop ignoring the massive impact gas prices have on
Maryland families, small businesses, and our economy. Short-term solutions like reducing taxes
provide immediate help for Marylanders. Long-term solutions are even more important.
“If President Biden and Democrats holding leadership offices at the federal and state level were
serious about this crisis, they would stop the blame game and focus on putting Americans to work
and returning American energy independence,” said Congressman Harris. “On Friday, Maryland
families will see another gas tax increase and we will be paying 61 cents per gallon in gas taxes
alone. The pain at the pump is real. Let’s make American energy and gas affordable, and let’s
suspend the Maryland state gas tax.”
Any one who voted for a Democrat is responsible for high gas prices.
Election time is near. Instead of just complaining about the gas taxes, our state representatives should stop the STATE GAS TAX INCREASE that is going to go into effect July 1st, 2022. Put out all the names of those representatives who voted for this gas tax increase and then highlight those who refuse to stop or delay this tax. I’m sure this could be used by those seeking election even in the short time before the primaries. John Palmer, Delmar, Md. ( If this has already been done then great. If it’s not done, I’m sure the voters would still recognize your efforts).
Action # 1 Impeach Biden
Action # 2 Impeach Kamala
Action # 3 Impeach Pelosi
Action # 4 Get RID of RINOS !!!!!! Example > CHENY
ALso McConnell & Pence !!!! RINOS
Its sad, the 7 cent increase is already factored in when it comes to the revenues generated during the new fiscal year – and what program(s) will receive that projected revenue.
To eliminate it, eliminates payment for something else. Also the tax is not exclusive to just Marylanders – anyone buying gas pays it. Its one of the few state taxes that passed on to everyone and one of the biggest that would hurt all Marylanders if delayed or eliminated.
Demand must ease so there is more supply – THEN prices will drop. Until that and the price of a barrel goes down ($117,45 at 1:28pm EDT 6/28/22) we will continue to pay. Also, that $117.45 a barrel is for end of August oil!
Nothing will change until fall!
But yet the Democrat from Wicomico/Dorchester is running unopposed Go figure that