Governor Maura Healey announced a plan to pause Massachusetts’ 24‑cent‑per‑gallon gasoline tax for a two‑month period beginning September 22, 2026. The proposal is intended to lessen the financial strain on drivers facing sharply rising fuel costs.
The temporary suspension would remove the state’s per‑gallon levy for the duration of the two months, effectively reducing the price of gasoline by the amount of the tax. Healey framed the measure as a direct response to the surge in gasoline prices that has been affecting motorists across the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano was identified as a key participant in the discussion surrounding the tax holiday. While the specifics of his involvement were not detailed, his presence underscores the importance of legislative engagement with the governor’s initiative.
Legislators in the state have historically declined to suspend the gasoline tax, and the proposal is expected to encounter considerable resistance on Beacon Hill. Past attempts to alter the tax have been turned down, suggesting that the current plan may face similar opposition despite the governor’s rationale.
If enacted, the two‑month tax holiday would provide a short‑term reduction in fuel costs for Massachusetts drivers. However, the likelihood of passage remains uncertain given the established pattern of legislative refusal to suspend the tax. The outcome of the proposal will depend on the ability of the governor and House leadership to secure sufficient support among lawmakers.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by state officials to address the economic impact of high gasoline prices, while also navigating the political dynamics of tax policy in Massachusetts.