The Senate Republican caucus has proposed eliminating the state gas tax in 2022 due to staggering inflation driving up the cost of goods such as gasoline and bacon. The tax cut would save everyday Rhode Islanders $150 million and provide relief to those struggling to balance their budgets. The caucus believes that the state can afford the temporary tax cut due to the current $600 million budget surplus and increased consumer spending that will follow. Small businesses will also benefit from reduced operating costs. This proposal is in response to the slow economic recovery that has placed Rhode Island at the bottom of the list economically.