Hogan talks about Russia’s gas taxes, inflation, and potential cyberattacks on CNBC’s Squawk Box – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Governor Larry Hogan spoke on CNBC’s Squawk Box Tuesday to talk about how Maryland was the first state to implement a 30-day moratorium on gas taxes to offset price pressures caused by the war in Ukraine. .

Hogan spoke with CNBC’s Becky Quick about how state legislators acted quickly to ease “pump pain,” pushing across party lines to ensure that Marylanders have access to more affordable gasoline for their vehicle.

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Prices skyrocketed when Russia bombed various cities in Ukraine nearly four weeks ago, sending people fleeing to neighboring countries.

“In Maryland here, instead of arguing about who is to blame, we decided to act immediately,” Hogan said.

Both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly unanimously passed bills allow tax breaks on Thursdays.

Hogan signed into law on friday.

Controller Peter Franchot, whose office regulates motor fuel distribution in the state, said the tax break is effective immediately and lasts until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.

People saw the bill’s effect within 48 hours of it being signed.

“I think it makes a huge difference to the average consumer, and I can tell you the national average is $4.25 — we’re down about $3.75 so we’re 50 cents a gallon cheaper than most. . . one of the lowest in the country. And I have weekenders across the state thanking me for seeing the difference.”

Hogan believes other states will repeat gas tax laws, which he describes as “very common.”

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Hogan also talked about inflation and potential Russian cyberattacks.

On inflation, Hogan noted that Maryland’s economy “is booming.” But there is more of a price burden on consumers due to rising inflation, he said.

As for the state’s cybersecurity, Hogan said he believes it’s likely that Russian President Vladimir Putin will try to avenge the economic sanctions that have been imposed on his country.

The threats are real, he said.

“I think he’s going to try to retaliate and we have to be prepared for that,” Hogan said.

The Maryland Department of Health is attack at the end of 2021 when a new variant of COVID-19 is circulating and data on the spread of the virus is critical.

Cyberattack Update at Maryland Department of Health • Servers will be offline under extreme caution.
• Data updates will resume as soon as possible⁰ • There is no evidence at this time that any data was compromised @wjz

– Mike Hellgren (@HellgrenWJZ) December 6, 2021

The state government closed parts of its website to minimize damage.

Hackers often target government infrastructure. In 2021, Baltimore County schools had to close online learning after a cyber attack.

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And in 2020, Hackers Attack Greater Baltimore Medical Center affect some of their information technology systems.