Senate Transportation chair Sen. Simmons (D) proposes increases in gas, county taxes and car tags

Senate chair: Raise taxes, car tag fees for roads

Senate Transportation Chairman Willie Simmons on Monday unveiled a proposal to add an 8 percent sales tax on gasoline and diesel, increase the cost of car tags with varying user fees, and require counties to raise taxes in order to share the money that would be generated to fix the state’s ailing roads and bridges.

“I know the vote for a fee or tax increase is always difficult, and it’s difficult for me,” said Simmons, D-Cleveland, as he explained the bill he authored that would provide $411 million a year for road and bridge maintenance and other transportation infrastructure costs.

ClarionLedger
3/14/16