By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
Earlier this year, our state suspended two of its gas taxes. As of Oct. 2, this has made Indiana's gas prices the lowest in the country. However, Indiana farmers and our agriculture industry are still suffering due to the skyrocketing cost of diesel fuel. As a farmer and the senator for a largely rural district, I am experiencing this firsthand.
Now averaging nearly $7 per gallon, at a time when farmers are harvesting and transporting millions of bushels of corn and soybeans to the market, high fuel costs are not only hurting farmers – they trickle down to everyone through increased food prices. Times are already tough for Hoosier families – we cannot afford to let high fuel prices make it even harder to balance the family budget.
Farmers can already purchase tax-free diesel for use in their farm machinery. Current law does not, however, allow tax-free diesel to be used for farm trucks that transport crops to the market after they have been harvested. That’s why I joined with many of my legislative colleagues and urged Gov. Braun to lift this restriction and allow farmers to use tax-free diesel in farm trucks for the next 30 days. I’m happy to report the governor agreed, and now tax-free diesel can be used for any “farm related activities.” This will save our farmers .87 cents per gallon at the pump, which I know personally can add up quickly during harvest season.
I want you to know I am working diligently with my fellow legislators at the state level to find every single way we can to help Hoosiers struggling during these tough economic times.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
