Tax holiday

Ohio's Republican-controlled legislature convened a special session and passed a bill suspending the state's 38.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax for 90 days, funded through the general fund surplus rather than road-project money, addressing Gov. Mike DeWine's earlier concerns. The Legislative Service Commission estimates average drivers could save up to $55 over the suspension period.

Republicans used procedural moves to keep debate limited to the gas tax bill, blocking Democratic attempts to introduce broader affordability measures, including utility bill relief, a bigger child tax credit, a larger homestead exemption, and a resolution urging President Trump to end the war in Iran, which Democrats blame for rising fuel prices. Democrats also proposed redirecting sports-stadium funds, including money earmarked for the Cleveland Browns' Brook Park stadium, toward consumer relief, and pushed for a data center moratorium sought by advocacy group Conserve Ohio. Senate President Rob McColley said such issues risked derailing the gas tax bill. Democrats call the tax holiday an election-year move benefiting Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who trails Amy Acton in polling.

Florida has launched an expanded sales tax holiday covering hunting, fishing, and camping gear, now running from the fall through December 31. Building on a successful 2025 debut, the four-month holiday adds more firearm accessories to a list that already includes ammunition, firearms, bows and crossbows, rods and reels, tents, flashlights, and sleeping bags. State officials project consumers will save roughly $40 million this year.

Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers, including State Sen. Jim Boyd, frame the holiday as a way to let Floridians keep more of their earnings while encouraging outdoor recreation, a view echoed by the Florida Retail Federation. But tax policy analysts, including Miles Trinidad of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, argue temporary sales tax holidays are an inefficient relief tool that does little for lower-income families struggling with everyday expenses, and that broader, permanent tax relief would be more effective.