GOP state senator from East Texas promotes gas tax increase to fund transportation

[TexasTowelie]

A Republican state senator is arguing forcefully for raising taxes to fund transportation, saying it would be more conservative to pay as you go with increased tax revenue than to go further into debt to complete road projects.

And Sen. Kevin Eltife of Tyler went a step further Monday during a panel discussion at the Texas Transportation Forum in Austin, adding that he’s not concerned about how such a stand might impact his re-election chances in typically anti-tax East Texas.

“It is what it is,” he said, earning loud applause from the crowd. “I was fine before I got this job. If they kick me out of office, I’ll be fine.”

Eltife’s unusual tactic – by Texas standards, at least – came as he discussed the state’s transportation funding challenges with three other state lawmakers: House Transportation Chairman Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman; Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, D-McAllen; and Rep. Larry Gonzales, R-Round Rock.

More at http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/02/gop-state-senator-from-east-texas-promotes-gas-tax-increase-to-fund-transportation.html/ .

[mbperrin]

1. Yes, the purpose of the gas tax is to build and maintain roads.

We have much better roads now and many more vehicles, and large ones, so an increase would be in order.

I'd support a dollar a gallon without blinking.