While Maryland and Connecticut passed legislation temporarily suspending their state gas tax, and New Hampshire considering a similar proposal, Massachusetts lawmakers in the House and Senate rejected legislation to suspend the tax calling it a “gimmick.”

By a voice vote, the House rejected an amendment to a spending bill that temporarily suspended the 24 cent per gallon fuel tax. The Senate then voted 11-29, to reject a similar amendment that helped provide small businesses, commuters, and working families relief at the gas pumps. NFIB State Director Christopher Carlozzi spoke at a press conference with the authors’ of the Senate amendment, urging lawmakers to help the many small businesses facing higher priced products (including fuel) along with increased labor costs. You can find Carlozzi’s statement, which NFIB released to the media here.

We urge small business owners to thank those senators who voted in favor of the gas tax suspension, while urging those who opposed the amendment to reconsider their vote when the proposal ends up before them again in the near future.