Blake Boykin supports capping the gas tax to help keep more money in the pockets of working families.

Rising gas prices put real pressure on families, commuters, school districts, public transportation systems and anyone who depends on driving every day.

While the state cannot control the price of fuel itself, lawmakers can take steps to help protect consumers from the impact of higher prices.

North Carolina’s gas tax is already well above the national average and higher than the rate in every neighboring state.

North Carolina has responded to similar circumstances before. In 2007, lawmakers extended a cap on the gas tax ahead of the major spike in fuel prices that followed in 2008.

Higher fuel costs affect more than individual drivers. They increase transportation expenses for schools, local governments, businesses and public services, and those costs ultimately ripple throughout the economy.

The General Assembly has capped the gas tax before. With North Carolinians once again facing higher prices at the pump, Blake will urge lawmakers to seriously consider doing it again.