Group gives away free gas at ‘Axe the Tax’ event
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Free gas stalled traffic Thursday in the Hub City. In an effort to raise awareness about a possible gas tax increase, Americans for Prosperity Tennessee filled tanks free of charge. Dozens lined up outside Dudley‘s Shell Station on Old Hickory Boulevard. Tracy Eaton heard about the deal and rushed over. “I woke up happy this morning,” she said. “It’s going to make my day even more better.” Americans for Prosperity Tennessee handed out $25 gas cards to the first 100 people in line. The goal is to raise awareness about a possible gas tax increase in Tennessee. “That extra $5, $10 a week that they would have to pay in taxes, that adds up at the end of the month,” Americans for Prosperity Tennessee State Director Andy Ogles said. Rep. Andy Holt, R-Dresden, said he expects lawmakers to consider a gas tax increase in the next few years but said he is against it and that the state already has revenue for road repairs. “Third best road system in the United States, third least indebted,” Holt said. “To me that doesn’t spell out ‘oh, panic mode, we’ve got to raise the fuel tax.'” Eaton said she would not mind paying extra at the pump if the money goes to roads. “We need good roads, so a little price increase on the gas, it shouldn’t hurt us much,” she said. Organizers said the average family spends about $25 a month in gas taxes.
