Andy Gipson

JACKSON, Mississippi — Mississippi’s agriculture and commerce leader urges his peers to declare an economic emergency to lower fuel costs. Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson said action is needed to help Mississippi’s workers, farmers and the timber industry during peak harvest season. He suggested declaring an economic emergency that would temporarily suspend the state fuel tax on gasoline and diesel and allow farmers and loggers to use off-road diesel to expand available supply. “These fuel prices are breaking the backbone of Mississippi’s economy,” Gipson said. “We have been dealing with this for several months. Our farmers, loggers and working people cannot endure much more of this.” …Mississippi’s average gas price is $3.99 per gallon, according to AAA. The national average is $4.45.