Gov. Mike Braun extends gas tax suspension to July

Driving the news: Braun suspended the gas use and excise taxes, set to expire June 7, for another 30 days, through July 7.

• Braun says he can suspend both for another 30 days under Indiana's energy emergency statute.
• After that, though, he'd need to call a special legislative session.

What he's saying: "Indiana has the cheapest gas in the country because we are using every tool in the toolbox to save Hoosier families money," Braun said.

• According to AAA, Indiana's average price of $3.59 per gallon is indeed the cheapest in the country.
• The national average is $4.26 per gallon.

State of play: Braun told reporters during a briefing Wednesday that he hasn't had conversations with legislative leaders about a special session.

• Every month that the use tax is suspended costs the state about $50 million; the excise tax costs another $90 million.

• The state can afford the extension, he said, because of budget efficiencies and higher revenues than projected during the last budget writing session.
• Those factors, combined with a robust state reserve, will allow the state to reimburse local governments that are also losing out on revenue from the gas tax suspensions.

What's next: Braun says he'll evaluate the final extension as the July 7 expiration date approaches.