Today, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka held a media interview in which they were asked about suspending the state’s gasoline tax to provide relief for motorists.

The State House leaders dismissed the idea, instead claiming they are concerned with the bond rating. Despite the state already borrowing billions of dollars on a regular basis, that concern has almost never been raised by the leadership duo previously. On Friday, according to AAA, Massachusetts broke a new state record for the price of gas reaching $4.364 a gallon.

“Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate Karen Spilka are wrong to dismiss the idea of suspending the state gas tax in order to provide relief for motorists and businesses. They are failing to see the bigger picture. With record breaking prices being surpassed every few days, spending from working families and businesses will soon begin to decline unless there is some relief on the way,” stated Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“Spring is next weekend and with the warmer weather arriving soon, it means businesses that rely on tourism will begin to start their season. It’s critical that Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka are not stuck in neutral. They cannot sit idly by as the economy declines due to their unwillingness to part with a small amount of gas tax revenue. The price of their inaction will cost the Commonwealth a lot more in the long-term,” concluded Craney.