South Carolina’s Freedom Caucus leader, State Representative Jordan Pace, is pressing the General Assembly to act quickly on a massive gas‑tax rebate plan aimed at easing the burden on families across the Palmetto State. In a statement to the press, Pace asked legislators to return to Columbia for an emergency session this month and approve targeted rebates that would total more than $500 million.

How the rebate would work

The proposal would issue a $300 rebate check to every household that claims dependents on its state income‑tax return and a $200 check to all other households that filed a return. Pace emphasized that the rebates would be “fully funded without raising taxes or disrupting bonded obligations,” relying on savings from recent spending measures.

Funding sources

Pace says the money could be freed by removing earmarks from a recently approved spending bill that, in his view, “do not directly support first responders, water, sewer, education or other vital infrastructure.” He also proposes reclaiming unencumbered “carry‑forward” funds—budget amounts from prior fiscal years that have not yet been spent and are not tied to existing contracts.

Support from state leadership

Attorney General Alan Wilson, the Republican nominee for governor, recently suggested giving future governors the authority to suspend the state gas tax for up to 120 days during periods of sharp price spikes. Pace echoed Wilson’s sentiment, arguing that South Carolina families need immediate relief and that a direct rebate is a responsible way to deliver it.

Political context

The push comes after a sharp rise in fuel costs: gas prices have jumped 50.36 % since December, while diesel has surged 76.94 % over the same period, straining household budgets and raising shipping costs for goods and services. Pace criticized fellow Republican lawmakers for quickly convening emergency sessions when political pork is at stake, urging them to show the same urgency for protecting taxpayers.

Previous attempts and obstacles

Earlier this year, Pace tried to pass a temporary suspension of the state gas tax, but the effort was blocked by House Speaker Murrell Smith and Ways and Means Chairman Bruce Bannister. Undeterred, he is now advocating for a rebate approach that bypasses the tax structure entirely and puts money directly into consumers’ pockets.

National attention

U.S. Congressman Russell Fry has also called for a suspension of the federal gas tax, citing the need for “some breathing room” for Americans during these trying economic times. While the federal discussion is ongoing, Pace’s state‑level plan offers a concrete, locally focused solution.

Next steps

If Governor Henry McMaster convenes the emergency session, Pace urges the speaker and the president of the Senate to move swiftly on the rebate plan and to adopt Wilson’s proposal granting governors the tools to suspend the gas tax when needed. He concluded, “We can continue funding pet projects, or we can prioritize the working families of South Carolina who are paying the bills.”

Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.