Kehoe says pause in gas tax would hurt roads, economy

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday dismissed calls for a special legislative session to suspend Missouri's gas tax, citing concerns about road conditions and the impact on jobs for construction workers.

Some lawmakers had asked Kehoe to call a special session to vote on pausing the state's 29.5-cent gas tax through the end of the year. Revenue from the tax goes to state and local road repairs and projects.

But Kehoe said Wednesday that he's not sold.

"This revenue stream funds the jobs of the men and women across the state who work on these road projects, which contribute to the critical public safety and infrastructure needs of our state," Kehoe said in a statement sent by his office.

He said a pause in funding would put Missourians out of work because of road project delays. However, he said he understands the strain high gas prices are putting on Missourians.

Kehoe also pointed out that the savings might not be passed on to consumers.

The statewide average for regular unleaded was $4.15 on Wednesday, according to GasBuddy.com, with several stations in Columbia still at $4.19.