Dom Giordano Speaks To Pa. State Rep. Barrar About Increase In Gas Prices Under Proposed Bill
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – WPHT's Dom Giordano spoke with Pennsylvania State Representative Stephen Barrar, who sounded the alarm on some of the little discussed realities of Senate Bill One (SB1).
Under the bill, which passed in the Pennsylvania Senate on June 5th, the cost of gasoline would go up 28.5 cents per gallon over the next three years.
"Here's my concern right now," Rep. Barrar explained. "There's a lot of information being put out about this transportation bill…but nobody's talking about the actual costs."
"We're talking about a 28.5 cent increase on gas and a 38.5 cent increase on diesel," he said. "Can you imagine what [the increase in diesel] is going to do to the cost of deliveries?"
Rep. Barrar also said vehicle registration fees would increase about $16 a year.
"We will be the highest gas tax in the nation," if this bill goes through, Barrar added, presumably driving people – literally -- to fill up in other states.
"We do need a small gas tax increase," Barrar admitted. "I don't think it needs to be 28.5 cents."
The "ruse," as Giordano referred to it, is that the bill will improve roads and bridges, but much of the money generated will go to public transportation, like SEPTA.
"I'm pretty sure right now there aren't the Republican votes to pass this," Barrar said. "I just can't imagine that the people of Pennsylvania are going to sit back quietly."
Giordano agreed, urging listeners to take their concerns to their state representatives.
Senate Bill One heads to the Pa. House next.
To listen to the full interview, click here.
