LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — While some Kentucky drivers will continue receiving a 10-cent break on the state's gas tax, many others will lose the savings because their local officials did not request the extension.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear extended his May 5 executive order Tuesday, which reduced the state's gas tax by 10 cents per gallon and froze a scheduled tax increase set to take effect July 1.
"I think government is here to help our people," Beshear said.
The extension, however, is not automatic statewide.
Under Kentucky law, mayors and county judge-executives must request participation in the gas tax holiday. Only 33 cities and counties submitted requests to continue the reduced tax rate, while hundreds of others did not.
Locally, Louisville Metro/Jefferson County, Eminence, Smithfield and West Point asked for and were granted extensions, according to a news release from Beshear's office.
Areas like Oldham County, however, opted not to participate, leaving drivers to pay the full gas tax rate.
"Man, that's hurtful," said Oldham County resident Douglas Matthews. "That's a big scratch. We need it. People out here need help. We're struggling. These gas prices are crazy."
Many Republican lawmakers opposed extending the gas tax reduction. They argue it would reduce funding available for road and infrastructure projects.
"I don't care what he's saying to you or whoever else is, do not do this," said State Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville. "Because you're doing it to your own detriment."
Revenue from Kentucky's gas tax flows into the state's road fund, which helps pay for highway maintenance, bridge repairs, snow and ice removal and construction projects across the state.
State lawmakers estimate the 10-cent reduction diverted nearly $27 million from the road fund over the past month.
Oldham County Judge-Executive David Voegele said setting aside to maintain the roads is important, and that Kentucky loses more than it gains by extending the tax.
"I think the governor is on the wrong side of this," Voegle said. "I understand he's trying to be helpful to people but that help doesn't amount to that much money."
Beshear has pointed to Kentucky's nearly $3 billion rainy day fund as a way to offset the lost revenue. Voegele disagreed, saying those reserves should be used only for emergencies.
"There are people struggling everywhere," Voegle said. "That's just life," Voegele said.
He also suggested people "drive less" reduce their travel if fuel costs become difficult to manage.
"If 10 cents a gallon is going to sink your ship, then you're in a lot worse shape than just that," Voegle said.
For drivers like Matthews, that perspective misses the reality many working families face.
"How can you look at people and say, 'Hey, you just have to save your money?' That's not right," Matthews said. "You get up every day, work 40 hours and families are struggling."
Matthews said many Kentuckians rely on their vehicles to get to work and support their families.
"If you don't have gas to get to work, then how are you going to get to your job?" Matthews said.
For drivers in communities that did not opt into the extension, the gas tax reduction expired Wednesday, resulting in an effective 10-cent increase per gallon compared to drivers in participating cities and counties.
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