INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Some relief is coming for Hoosiers who are feeling the pinch of high gas prices. Gov. Mike Braun (R) on Wednesday declared a gas tax holiday and suspended Indiana’s 7% sales tax on gasoline for 30 days. The sales tax suspension does not apply to diesel fuel. RELA TED | Gov Braun: State continuing to monitor gas price situation The sales tax suspension went into effect immediately, but Braun told News 8 political reporter Garrett Bergquist that it “might need a few days to work through the system logistically.” Braun also said he might renew the sales tax holiday after 30 days, “if conditions warrant.” In a statement, Braun warned gasoline retailers that the state will be “patrolling the pumps” to ensure that “savings are delivered to Hoosiers at the pump.” He also called on Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita to enforce protections from price gauging by retailers. At 12:30 p.m., the average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Indiana was $4.13, according to AAA. The sales tax holiday would knock the price down to about $3.84. State lawmakers react Various state lawmakers shared their reactions to Gov. Braun’s gas tax holiday. Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray (R-Martinsville): “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. With affordability top of mind right now, I’m supportive of temporarily suspending the state’s sales tax on gas.” House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement: “It’s clear that Hoosiers are in desperate need of economic relief, and I’m in favor of anything that can provide that, including suspending the gas tax. However, it’s been clear for a long time that Hoosiers are struggling, and it’s frustrating that it had to get this bad before Indiana Republicans took action. “Back in 2022, House Democrats called for a gas tax suspension when gas prices soared due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our calls went unanswered by the Republican supermajority, who instead allowed Hoosiers to continue draining their wallets at the gas pump. “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. Hoosiers are tired of unstrategic and unfocused foreign wars that cost American lives, drive up gas prices and raise the cost of living. “This isn’t leadership, it’s a last-minute scramble to keep up the Indiana GOP’s charade of being the ‘fiscally responsible’ party.” ...read more read less