Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by Lt. Governor-Elect Burt Jones, Speaker Jan Jones, and Speaker-Nominee Jon Burns, today announced he has extended the temporary suspension of the state motor fuel and locomotive fuel tax and the supply chain state of emergency until January 10, 2023. The state leaders also reiterated their support for a next phase of inflation relief through a second tax refund, equal in size to this year's, and an extension of the homestead tax exemption that will be introduced in the coming legislative session. The executive orders signed today can be found here.

"With another holiday season of travel and shopping upon us, 40-year high inflation and economic hardships due to bad policies from Washington, D.C. are still impacting hardworking Georgians," said Governor Brian Kemp. "I'm thankful to have the support of these great leaders as we provide further relief to our citizens and urge those on the federal level to fix what they have broken so we can have lasting and sustainable relief."

Because of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly's fiscally conservative approach to budgeting, Georgia can extend the state motor fuel and locomotive tax suspension as well as implement the proposed budget items without further burdening taxpayers.

“Today, I am proud to stand with Governor Kemp to double down on the Georgia success story and put another two billion dollars back into the pockets of Georgia families next year," said Lt. Governor-Elect Burt Jones. "A lot of folks in Washington, D.C. will continue playing politics and talking about problems. In Georgia, we are working together to actually get things done and deliver relief for the people of this state — and I’m proud to be part of that effort and that team.”

To further aid Georgians fighting through record inflation, Governor Kemp and the General Assembly worked together during the past legislative session to enact the largest state income tax cut in Georgia history, returned over $1 billion back to the taxpayers through a tax refund, passed the state’s first military retirement income tax exemption, and first suspended the state gas tax via legislation, saving Georgians 29 cents for every gallon of regular gas. Governor Kemp then renewed that suspension via monthly executive orders.

“Our House of Representatives has a clear track record of working for Georgia’s families – to help them keep more of their hard-earned money," said Speaker Jan Jones. "We stand in strong support and shoulder to shoulder with Governor Kemp in bringing relief to Georgia families suffering under record inflation.”

The first tax refund, issued in 2022, returned over $1.1 billion to Georgia taxpayers. Governor Kemp has called for a second tax refund to be issued in 2023 of equal size.

“As we look forward to the 2023 session, we will work with Governor Kemp and our colleagues in the State Senate to return more money to taxpayers," said Speaker-Nominee Jon Burns. "While our state will meet its obligations, we agree that Georgians deserve to keep as much of their hard-earned money as possible. It is not our money – but rather it belongs first and foremost to the taxpayers.”

Since the temporary suspension of the state fuel tax was implemented, Georgia’s average gas price has consistently remained one of the lowest in the nation and is currently $2.92 per gallon of regular gas, 40 cents below the national average, according to AAA. Since the state tax on motor fuel was first suspended in March of this year, Georgians have saved over $1 billion at the pump that they can then use on groceries, clothing and school supplies, and other necessities.