As gas and diesel prices continue to climb, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appears ready to get her veto pen out and stop a Michigan legislative move to pause the state tax on gasoline and diesel fuel.

Legislative proponents say, not unreasonably, we believe, that the state has sufficient reserves to absorb the loss of revenue the pause would cause and that such a move would help Michiganians now.

Whitmer, meanwhile, has signaled an interest in convincing the federal government to pause its tax on gas and diesel to address the issue.

While we have sided with the governor in the past when she has taken controversial positions on tough issues — much to the ire of some of our more conservative readers, it’s worth noting — not this time. Here’s why.

First of all, Michigan reportedly has a $4 billion surplus in its coffers, enough to cover the loss of the 27 cents per gallon on gas and diesel the state now collects.

The federal tax is 18 cents on a gallon of gas and 24 cents on a gallon of diesel.

Secondly, state legislation, supported by state Rep. Sarah Cambensy, D-Marquette, is on its way to Whitmer’s desk this week.

“I think it’s easy for some people to say that the increase in gas prices are no big deal,” Cambensy said in a press release. “But when you think about how much our economy is dependent on fuel prices remaining stable, and those prices now skyrocket, it’s only a matter of time before services and programs get cut, or people get laid off. And no one wants that.”

As far as the federal government acting in some prompt manner relative to taxes, from where we sit, lawmakers in Washington have a hard time getting their collective shoes tied properly in the morning, never mind dealing with something as politically charged as taxes.

We hope Whitmer reconsiders. Michigan residents and businesses need help now, now down the road at some point.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette