While Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on May 5 reiterated his plan to push for a transportation funding increase without raising state motor fuel taxes in an upcoming special legislative session, several Republican legislators revealed their intent to introduce a 13 cents-per-gallon motor fuel tax increase that would be gradually phased in over four years in order to generate over $100 million per year. The additional tax would sunset in the year after the last increase. Read More.

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As debate continues over how to close the gap on New Jersey’s transportation fund shortfall, on May 11 Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) stated that any compromise that includes phasing out the state’s estate tax in exchange for a gas tax increase must also contain an increase in New Jersey’s Earned Income Tax Credit for low-wage workers. Read More.

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A Colorado bill that would have asked voters for approval of $3.5 billion in transportation bonds failed when action was postponed indefinitely by state Democratics, who protested the lack of guaranteed funding to pay off those bonds and the exclusion of mass transit. Read More.