INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 25, 2016) – Funding for millions of dollars in Indiana road upgrades has changed in a big way. House Bill 1001, a transportation funding bill that would funnel millions more into state road projects, was initially going to be paid for with a tax hike on the state’s cigarette and gas sales. That tax hike Thursday was taken off the table.
The Senate Appropriations Committee removed the tax hikes. Instead, road projects will be paid for in part by a $100 fee for all electric cars, a $50 fee on Hybrid vehicles, and by pulling from the already existing wheel tax.
“We are going to have the opportunity to have a bipartisan and widely supported infrastructure reinvestment package,” said House Minority Leader, Scott Pelath (D – Michigan City) who applauded the senate’s work in removing what he said were burdensome taxes on middle class Hoosiers.
But not everyone is on board.
“It’s very clear that the senate and Governor program, it’s really a three year program,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R – Indianapolis).
Bosma said the senate’s road funding plan, which was supported by Governor Mike Pence is too short term. More of a political, tax hike free remedy to make it past Election Day.
“It’s very clear he only wants a program that funds the next Governor’s term, it doesn’t look beyond that. We’re strongly encouraging the Governor to take a longer term look and really to address not just the next election cycle, but the next generation,” said Bosma.
“I would definitely pay like two cents more or whatever a gallon,” said one Hoosier driver.
Some Hoosiers seemed to agree with Bosma, expressing a willingness to pay more for gas or cigarettes to see a long term solution.
“Travel on our roads, walk in our footprints and then make a decision,” said another driver.
According to the Governor, 2016 was supposed to be the “transportation session.” Speaker Bosma saying though if an agreement can’t be reached between the senate and house it is possible a transportation funding bill may not pass this session.
.@Brian_Bosma says it's clear @GovPenceIN supports a road funding plan that would only last through the next election cycle, not long term
— James Gherardi (@JamesGherardi) February 25, 2016
Speaker @Brian_Bosma explains how @INHouseGOP road funding is more long term than a plan w/o as many tax increases pic.twitter.com/t0MozgGVjr
— James Gherardi (@JamesGherardi) February 25, 2016
House Minority Leader Scott Pelath thanks Senate for a "common sense" road funding bill pic.twitter.com/yHRg8Bi7h8
— James Gherardi (@JamesGherardi) February 25, 2016
