One day there will be a book on the ups and downs of state gas taxes and infrastructure finance—with a whole chapter dedicated to what is unfolding during the inflation surge of 2021 and 2022.
Governor says proposed freeze this summer on tax that funds road, bridge and other infrastructure is way to give taxpayers inflation relief, but roadbuilders are crying foul with projects long underfunded.
Former state DOT leaders say the $1.3 trillion infrastructure bill would be a start, but other funding is needed for critical infrastructure maintenance and new projects.
Legislation would increase funds for road and bridge maintenance and preserve mandated annual transfer of $160 million for projects overseen by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Ohio is the latest state to raise its fuel tax to fund infrastructure needs, with the state legislature approving a 10.5¢-per-gallon increase on gasoline as of July 1.
Proposition 6 in California poses as a grassroots movement to repeal recently hiked and already high gas taxes when it is something else, too: a vote against the future.