Posted on 10/26/2011 7:50:22 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
ANNAPOLIS — A Maryland commission recommended Tuesday that the state raise its gas tax by more than 60 percent over the next three years, but members acknowledged that taxpayers facing a dire economy could find the increase hard to swallow.
The proposed hike, approved by the state-appointed Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding, would raise the gas tax on wholesalers by 5 cents a year for three years, from the current rate of 23.5 cents per gallon.
The move could generate nearly $500 million in annual revenue and is part of $870 million in annual tax-and-fee increases recommended by the commission. The funds would help pay for road and transit projects and restore the state’s long-borrowed-against Transportation Trust Fund.
The Democrat-controlled General Assembly likely will consider the increases during the legislative session that begins in January. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, has signaled that he would approve a gas-tax hike among recommended increases.
Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown urged state lawmakers during a special assembly session last week to consider such an increase. Mr. O'Malley has not ruled out raising the gas tax as part of his proposed budget - a move that would make it more likely to pass than if a stand-alone measure is proposed and debated by legislators.
“I think we’re at a point now where we can no longer borrow,” said Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, Prince George’s Democrat and a commission member. “Additional revenue is definitely needed.”
Maryland has not increased its gas tax since 1992.
Supporters say that slumping state revenues - compounded by more fuel-efficient vehicles and the public’s decreasing reliance on cars - have put state roads and bridges in a general state of disrepair.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
But, but, but...I thought the liberals wanted more fuel-efficient vehicles. I thought liberals wanted more people to use public transit. And now they're complaining??? I'm so confused..... ;-)
I have lived here since 1965 and am going to leave when I retire, going to a more reasonable venue.
They’re such idiots. CAFE is making a wreck of the gas tax.
Is it CAFE or the Baraqqi Depression that’s cutting gasoline usage?
Actually at the moment gas is cheaper in Delaware than Maryland even along the border, in seaford I saw a 3.24 opposed to 3.31 in Salisbury
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