By Niki Kelly and Mackenezi Klemann
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order Wednesday to enact a 30-day suspension of the 7% sales tax on gasoline — with the potential for extensions.

“I am declaring a gas tax holiday to give Hoosiers relief from the pain at the pump from high gas prices,” Braun said in a news release. “Affordability is my top priority.”

The order is in effect now through May 8. Braun called on retailers to pass savings directly to customers, noting the state will be monitoring prices to make sure.

Taxes on fuel in Indiana are made up of the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, the state excise tax of 36 cents per gallon and the 7% state sales tax.

The current average cost for a gallon of gas in Indiana, according to AAA, is $4.14 — of which about 17 cents is attributable to the sales tax.

Braun estimated savings for Hoosiers could reach $50 million a month. He will revisit the emergency declaration in 30 days.

Attorney General Todd Rokita also announced that his office will actively monitor fuel prices across the state and enforce price gouging protections.

“Hoosiers deserve the full relief intended by this emergency measure and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the removal of the tax translates into lower prices at the pump — and that consumers are not taken advantage of during this time,” Rokita said in a news release. “If a consumer suspects that a gas station in Indiana is still charging tax during the suspension, they should file a consumer complaint with our office.”

History of suspending gasoline sales tax

In 2000, then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon suspended the sales tax on gasoline for two 60-day periods heading into an election. It saved motorists more than $46 million.

At that time, gas was nearing $2 a gallon; the savings were between 8 and 10 cents per gallon.

O’Bannon cited a 1981 statute allowing him to declare an energy emergency if “an existing or projected shortfall of at least eight percent (8%) of motor fuel or of other energy sources that threatens to seriously disrupt or diminish energy supplies to the extent that life, health, or property may be jeopardized.”

The law doesn’t specifically mention fuel taxes, but it allows the governor to “suspend the provisions of any state statute regulating transportation or the orders or rules of any state agency if strict compliance with any of the provisions would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the energy emergency.”

Authority unclear

But in 2007, then-Gov. Mitch Daniels asked the Attorney General’s Office whether he had the authority to suspend the sales tax on gas.

The letter, signed by then Chief Deputy Attorney General Gregory Zoeller, said it was “clear that a suspension of a sales tax is not among those powers enumerated by this statute nor does it fall with the same category of those within the 1981 act.”

“Without further legislative action granting the governor the authority to suspend the gas tax, we agree that this authority is not within the intent of the 1981 statute,” the letter continued.

A message to Rokita’s office seeking clarity on authority wasn’t immediately returned. All AG opinions are non-binding.

“We feel this is within the latitude of what I’m able to do,” Braun told reporters Wednesday, citing the cumulative effect of inflation.

“The emergency was created by conditions outside our control,” he said, “and that was done in D.C. — not particularly on fuel, but in many of those years it was way above $4. We’ve been carrying that burden for a long time.”

The executive order said the ongoing war with Iran “has threatened the global supply of oil,” with 20% to 25% of the world’s crude oil production shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have blocked the strait in recent weeks.

When asked about the 8% shortage requirement, the governor’s office cited the executive order.

Braun praised President Donald Trump for negotiating a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which he said should lead to lower fuel prices over time.

“This is big news,” Braun said. “You can already see it in the markets. We’ll begin to see that peace dividend over time, and there’s now clarity in terms of what they’re doing.”

Legislative reaction

Half a dozen Senate Republicans released statements supporting the move, including the chamber’s leader.

“Senate Republicans have led on issues of affordability for years, resulting in one of the lowest costs of living in the country for Hoosiers, but the recent spike in gas prices is still leaving many Hoosiers feeling undue pressure on their budgets,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville. “With affordability top of mind right now, I’m supportive of temporarily suspending the state’s sales tax on gas.”

Many of those in support are facing primary challenges and have been attacked for earlier votes to raise the gas tax.

Markle Republican Sen. Travis Holdman, who is locked in a tough reelection race, called on Braun to suspend the gas tax moments before he did so.

“Despite everything we have done at the Statehouse to maintain our state’s low cost of living, the current price of gas is adding too much pressure on Hoosiers and their wallets,” Holdman said. “Today, along with some of my colleagues, I am calling on Gov. Braun to provide relief at the pump for Hoosiers by using his legal authority to suspend the state’s tax on gas.”

House Democrats backed the suspension on Wednesday but questioned the timing.

House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, noted the caucus repeatedly called for a suspension back in 2022, when gas prices jumped amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I want to be clear: House Democrats support this suspension, but Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans are only cleaning up a mess that they helped create,” GiaQuinta said in a Wednesday news release. “Hoosiers are tired of unstrategic and unfocused foreign wars that cost American lives, drive up gas prices and raise the cost of living.”

The post Braun announces 30-day break on Indiana sales tax for gasoline appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

The following story was written by Niki Kelly, Casey Smith and Leslie Bonilla Muniz.

INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Mike Braun on Friday condemned a wave of threats against state lawmakers — including ones he said targeted him and his family — shortly after Republican Sen. Andy Zay confirmed a bomb threat at his Huntington vehicle rental business.

Sen. Linda Rogers revealed on Friday that she’s also been a “victim of several intimidation incidents.”

The threats came amid a week of swatting attempts and other harassment aimed at Senate Republicans.

“Enough is enough,” the governor said in a Friday afternoon post on X. “These threats to lawmakers, including those received by me and my family in recent days, need to stop.”

Braun said Indiana State Police and other law enforcement agencies have been working “around the clock all week” to protect lawmakers and investigate the string of incidents.

The governor’s office said state police are investigating more than one “credible” threat made against the governor but did not provide details about the nature of those threats.

“Rest assured — if you threaten or attempt to carry out acts of violence against Indiana’s elected officials, we WILL bring you to justice,” Braun wrote.

Zay’s business targeted

Hours before Braun’s announcement, Zay shared about his experience.

“Yesterday, my business in Huntington was targeted with a bomb threat, which is part of the recent troubling pattern against lawmakers in Indiana,” Zay said in a news release.

“It’s unfortunate that my family and I continue to be threatened for my work as a public servant and state senator,” he added. “This is no way to weigh in on any public issue, even if you do not agree with my stance. My office is always open, and I encourage constituents with any concerns to reach out.”

Zay is supportive of a controversial proposal to redistrict Indiana’s congressional boundaries — and make Indiana’s two blue districts red — ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“Sometimes you’re not ‘yes’ enough for some of our friends on the right, and when you get this mob mentality going, you know, it’s a little challenging,” Zay told the Capital Chronicle.

He said he has been quietly working behind the scenes with the Trump administration to move redistricting forward.

Zay pushed for an aggressive marketing campaign to explain why the new map is needed to the public. He said the pressure and influence needed to come more from constituents.

“Obviously, the administration has chosen an entirely different tactic, which I don’t agree with, which has kind of turned into this, this ugly, threatening, demeaning, bashing thing. I’m not surprised. It’s certainly not uncharacteristic of the administration, but I think we all would have been better served to have a stronger groundswell of support to bring it to a vote.”

Zay said he is hopeful that vote can still happen.

Other senators receive threats

Another Republican senator, Linda Rogers of Granger, said Friday she’s also been targeted. Rogers has not said publicly where she stands on redistricting.

“I can confirm I have been the victim of several intimidation incidents, but the St. Joseph County Police Department and the Indiana State Police are working diligently to get to the bottom of it,” Rogers said in a statement.

She commended both agencies for their “timely response and assistance,” but said she would not provide further details while the investigation continues.

Earlier, fellow Republican Sen. Kyle Walker of Lawrence said Thursday that “attempts have been made to intimidate me and threaten violence at my home.” A spokesperson clarified Friday that it was a bomb threat. Walker is against early redistricting.

Four other GOP senators, all of whom oppose redistricting or are undecided, have been targeted in attempted swattings this week.

“Swatting” involves hoax calls or reports to emergency services intended to trigger armed responses — and can have lethal consequences for unwitting victims at the swatted location.

The spate of harassment prompted bipartisan condemnation from leaders in the Indiana House.

House Speaker Todd Huston and House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta denounced the threats in a joint Friday statement.

“The threats, swatting attempts and other criminal activity being directed at our colleagues in the Senate are abhorrent and completely unacceptable. This is no way to express political disagreement, and it must stop,” the duo said.

“We thank our local, state and federal law enforcement for responding to and investigating these crimes, and for keeping our elected officials and their families safe,” they continued. “This is incredibly harmful to those being directly impacted and to our entire state. We’re praying for our colleagues, their families and neighbors, and our law enforcement partners. We hope to see swift justice for anyone responsible for these crimes.”

Zay also thanked police and said he’s “hopeful that state and local law enforcement will be able to find those responsible and hold them accountable for their actions.”

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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INDIANAPOLIS -- As state lawmakers gaveled in the 2023 legislative session on Monday lots of topics were on everyone's mind, but the topic that dominated opening remarks from both parties was funding for education in Indiana.

For Republicans, one of the priorities is getting teachers paid.

"We'll continue to try and fund that at a level that makes them as effective as possible and to try and make sure those dollars get into the hands of men and women who are in the classrooms teaching our children," said Senate President Rod Bray.

Republicans also prioritize doing away with textbook fees for families who send their kids to public schools. Democrats are in agreement with Republicans for the most part on those issues. However, they also want significant consideration of a universal Pre-K system throughout the state.

That is essentially state-funded preschool so that Hoosier parents will not have to pay to send their kids to preschool in the years leading up to kindergarten.

"It's not time to reinvent, it's time to reinvest in our schools," said Indiana House Minority leader Phil Giaquinta. "It is statistically proven that children who enroll in Pre-K have higher graduation rates and are more likely to go to college."

On the subject of Pre-K, Gov. Eric Holcomb remained open to the idea but said that he would instead like to expand on programs that already exist as opposed to rolling out a brand new system.

Other subjects touched on by both parties were healthcare and pot legalization. On the subject of pot, Republican House Speaker Todd Huston said it's "unlikely" they will take up any legislation on decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana use in Indiana this session.

Holcomb, though staunchly against legalizing pot while it's still illegal on the federal level, said Monday that he is "very happy" to have a discussion with lawmakers on pot. He said that he believes simple possession "up to certain amounts should not derail someone's life."

This week, lawmakers will hold hearings in the Ways and Means Committee to start the process of molding a two-year state budget.

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