Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther and other city leaders said Monday they support a bill raising the state's gas tax by 18 cents a gallon to help maintain roads and bridges.
Part of the increase would go to help cities and counties maintain roads and bridges. Columbus would receive 19 million dollars in the first year. . Ginther says communities need properly maintained roads to keep their competitive edge for new businesses and jobs. The Columbus Urban League also supports the bill scheduled for an Ohio House vote on Wednesday.
Republican state lawmakers say several questions need to be answered before they can vote on raising the gas tax. A statement from House Republicans says lawmakers want to know if the proposed 18-cent a gallon increase is the right number, should be phased in over time, should be tied to inflation, and if there alternative ways to raise the revenue to cover a one-billion dollar shortfall in the state transportation department budget.
