Mississippi Road Money Push Hits Pothole: GOP Tax Opposition
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A year after an effort to increase gasoline and diesel taxes to spend more on transportation stalled out, Mississippi legislative leaders say chances of action don't look better in 2017.
Any tax increase takes a three-fifths majority. Although the GOP holds that margin in both the House and Senate, some Republicans are flatly against raising any taxes.
"People are concerned about having safe roads and bridges for sure," said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall. "But, but when you ask them are you willing to pay more ... they feel like they've been taxed enough."
Mississippi Economic Council, the state chamber of commerce, advocates an additional $375 million a year for highways and bridges, saying most money should come from higher fuel taxes or taxes on vehicle licenses. Of that, $300 million would go to the Mississippi Department of Transportation. The remaining $75 million would be divided among cities and counties. The department has said it needs even more — $526 million a year — just to prevent further deterioration.
Read more: http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2016/dec/30/mississippi-road-money-push-hits-pothole-gop-tax-o/