The Gas Tax bill has officially made it through the Iowa Legislature.
The Legislature approved a 10-cent increase to the fuel tax to help pay for road improvements yesterday.
The Senate voted 28-21 and the House 53-46. The plan would provide over $200 million annually for at least the first two years for Iowa’s network of bridges and roads, many of which are in disrepair.
For years, the Legislature has considered raising the tax, which hasn’t been changed since 1989. But until this year, lawmakers never took action, despite heavy lobbying by groups representing farmers and trucking companies.
This session, Republican Gov. Terry Branstad voiced his backing for increased infrastructure funding, sparking a more serious conversation.
Branstad told The Associated Press he wants to review the bill, but indicated he was “very likely” to sign it into law. If he does, it could go into effect as early as March 1st.
But how do Burlington residents feel about it?
“Bad,” one customer at a Burlington gas station told KBUR. “Especially if you own a business. I write an $1,800 check every month.”
“I feel like these are the days before the American revolution…before we went to war with England,” said another customer.
Some argue that the law is ineffective. As cars become more fuel efficient and drivers switch to alternative fuel sources, the gas tax revenue will decrease.
Burlington Democratic Senator Tom Courtney, previously a supporter of the bill, voted no along with Wapello Republican Represenative Tom Sands. Burlington Democratic Representative Dennis Cohoon voted yes.
