NEWS: DeBolt disappointed at passage of gas tax increase
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DeBolt disappointed at passage of gas tax increase
Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, is disappointed at the passage of House Bill 1954 which would increase the gas tax and hurt struggling families in the 20th District.
The bill would increase the current gas tax by 10.5 cents over the next 13 months. Washington state already collects 37.5 cents-per-gallon, and the proposed increase would rise to 48 cents-per-gallon.
“This hurts our families in the 20th District right where they can't take the hit – in their wallets,” said DeBolt. “Lewis County's unemployment rate is more than 11 percent, and this means people are putting more and more money into their gas tanks while they search for work. We need to help these unemployed citizens, not add to their struggles.”
Additionally, DeBolt finds issue in giving more money to a transportation system that has proven inefficient and unaccountable.
“There have been a number of major delays, errors and design flaws which have and will cost the state millions to fix. Why wouldn't we demand some reforms before agreeing to essentially give the Washington State Department of Transportation a blank check?” said DeBolt.
House Bill 1954 now heads to the Senate for consideration.
