Lt. Gov. Burt Jones backs gas tax extension, weighs in on redistricting debate

Lt Gov. Burt Jones says extending the state’s gas tax suspension could be the next step when it expires.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As gas prices continue to climb across the country, Georgia leaders are considering whether to extend relief at the pump.

“I think the logical thing for us to do when it comes up on May 31 would be for us to extend it,” Jones said.

The current suspension was approved earlier this year after Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation temporarily pausing the state’s motor fuel tax for about 60 days.

The move was designed to give Georgians relief as fuel prices surged, with the tax holiday saving drivers roughly 33 cents per gallon of gasoline and even more for diesel.

However, despite that relief, prices have continued to fluctuate, driven in part by global instability, including tensions involving Iran.

Jones says those fluctuations are a key reason lawmakers may need to act again.

“Gas prices can fluctuate literally by the hour… the barrel of oil is way too high right now,” he said, adding that prices need to drop significantly before drivers see meaningful relief.

State officials say the current suspension is temporary, meaning the tax would return once it expires unless lawmakers take additional action.

For now, Georgia drivers are left watching both the price at the pump, and what state leaders decide to do next.

Jones is also weighing in on a major political issue following a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court involving redistricting.

The decision changes how courts evaluate claims of racial gerrymandering, requiring proof of intentional discrimination. In response, Jones says he supports revisiting Georgia’s political maps.

“I fully support redrawing our state’s legislative maps,” Jones said in a statement, adding that districts should not be drawn based on race.

The ruling has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Some Democrats, including Raphael Warnock, argue the decision could weaken protections for minority voters. Meanwhile, some Republicans say it creates an opportunity to redraw maps under new legal standards.

It’s unclear whether Georgia lawmakers will take up redistricting this year, but any changes would likely impact future elections rather than those already underway.