Stopping Automatic Raises On Maryland's Gas Tax
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--Pulling in the reins on Maryland's gas tax.
Governor Hogan moves forward with his effort to stop the state from automatically raising the state's gas tax each year.
Pat Warren has more on the reasons behind the move.
There's no way to avoid paying the state's gas tax, but the Hogan administration believes Marylanders should have a say in how much to raise it and when.
Marylanders enjoying lower gas prices these past months...
"I think right now the gas prices are pretty good," said one driver.
"Love it - love the low prices," another driver said.
Love it so much so that you likely didn't notice the state tax on gasoline went up this year.
In the past two years the gas tax has increased from 23.5-cents a gallon by almost 7-cents, to 30.3 cents a gallon. And it's set to continue to go up because lawmakers decided to impose automatic increases rather than vote on a tax hike each year.
Warren: "Do you think the gas tax should be raised automatically or should the General Assembly have to vote on it each year?"
"I think the general assembly should have to vote on it every year," said Lillie Henderson.
Warren: "Every year? Or should they increase it automatically?"
"I don't think they should increase any tax automatically. Ever," said one driver.
Opponents of the repeal say the gas tax is needed to pay for highways and transportation.
"I worry that if we pass this then a driver coming into our state is going to see a sign that says Maryland open for business and the next sign they see will say road closed," said Del. Eric Leudtke.
But drivers still like the idea of debate.
"Depends on the economy and everything else at the time but I don't see a problem with voting on it every year," said Andrew Hahn.
It doesn't have to be every year, just whenever they see a need to raise the tax.
The repeal wouldn't rollback the tax; just keep it where it is.
Another hearing is scheduled for next week.
