Gas tax debated in Senate

Senators heard rhetoric this afternoon, often heated, over a House proposal to suspend state gas taxes for three months this fall and the motivations behind the plan.

The House voted last week to halt collections of the 16.8 cents a gallon tax in October, November and December.

Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, said House members and Gov. Mark Sanford, who also proposed a suspension, were trying to influence voters who will decide their political fates in November.

Ford introduced legislation that would suspend the tax during the summer months instead.

Senate Finance Chairman Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, said there was no guarantee gas station owners would actually lower the price 16.8 cents a gallon rather than collect higher profits. That prompted Sen Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken, to claim offense that senators would accuse gas retailers of unfair business practices.

No votes on the proposals have been taken.