Wyoming Senate passes fuel tax hike
A bill to raise state fuel taxes by a dime a gallon has cleared its final vote in the Wyoming State Senate. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 18-to-12 on Thursday.
The bill now heads to Gov. Matt Mead for his consideration. He has said he supports increasing the fuel tax.
Proponents say the Wyoming Department of Transportation needs a steady source of funding. Opponents say the agency could realize savings by being more efficient.
The bill would raise the tax from the existing rate of 14 cents a gallon up to 24 cents for gasoline and diesel.
The tax hike would raise about $70 million a year, of which roughly two-thirds going to the state highway department and one-third to local governments.
