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Successful Legislative Campaigns
RHODE ISLAND: HOUSE BILL 7133 (2014)
A bill to increase the state gas tax by 1 cent-per-gallon (starting July 1, 2015), revisited every two years to reflect increases based on the rate of inflation; increase vehicle inspection fees from $39 to $55; and raise court fees drivers pay to dispute fines for traffic violations from $25 to $50. H 7133 (Article 21- Relating to Transportation) also transferred existing motor vehicle fees and surcharges, previously deposited into the General Fund, to the Rhode Island Highway Maintenance Account.
VIRGINIA: HOUSE BILL 2313 (2013)
This successful legislative campaign with the Virginia state legislature produced a five-year, $3.4 billion transportation investment bill that, among other changes, replaced the state’s gas tax with a sales tax on motor fuel. The legislature passed the bill in March, and Governor McDonnell (R) signed this overhaul of the transportation funding system into law in May. The new law scrapped the gas tax, raised the sales tax, established a tax on wholesale gas and diesel, and charged registration fees for hybrid, electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.
Case Study – Virginia – 2013- Campaign Advertising Materials: Virginia “Let’s Go VA” Campaign
- VTCA Virginia Statewide Survey of Likely Voters (January 2012): VTCA Public Release of Poll Results
- Study Conducted by ARTBA: ARTBA Study VA
- Article: “Va. Primary May Not Sway National Debate.” Scott Wong. Politico Pro. June 12, 2013. Article 2013
MARYLAND: HOUSE BILL 1515 (2013)
This successful legislative campaign in the Maryland state legislature resulted in the enactment of a transportation gasoline/sales tax package that has been projected to generate $830 million per year for road and public transportation improvements. This law raised taxes on gasoline in stages over a four-year period – with a roughly four-cents-per-gallon increase on July 1, 2013. More specifically, the law established a new three percent sales tax on wholesale gas, which will be introduced over a three-year period. This law also automatically adjusted the flat tax on gas to account for changes in inflation.
- Case Study – Maryland – 2013
- Bill Text—House Bill 1515: House Bill 1515 Text
- Public Opinion Polling Report —Gonzales (October 2013): Maryland Poll Results: Gonzales
- Maryland Fiscal and Policy Report: Fiscal and Policy Note HB 1515
OHIO: HOUSE BILL 51 (2013)
In 2013, the Ohio state legislature delivered an increase in transportation funding. Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) signed a two-year, $7.6 billion transportation and public safety budget bill that also permitted states to use toll revenue from the Ohio Turnpike for projects beyond its 241-mile toll road borders. The law allocated $4 billion to pay for road and bridge contracts, which was mostly funded through fuel tax revenues.
VERMONT: HOUSE BILL 510 (2013)
The Vermont legislature increased the fuel tax to support transportation investment throughout the state in 2013. Vermont enacted a two-percent sales tax on gasoline as well as a 0.8 cent decrease in the per gallon tax, and a two-cents-per-gallon diesel tax increase —phased in over two years— that will generate $28 million per year to support road and bridge improvements.
OREGON: SENATE BILL 810 (2013)
This successful vehicles-miles-traveled (VMT) pilot program passed in the Oregon state legislature in 2013, and this road usage charge system will be the first in the nation. Senate Bill 810 established a new program in which drivers are able to voluntarily participate in a mileage-based user fee system instead of paying the traditional fuel excise tax in Oregon.
WYOMING: HOUSE BILL 69 (2013)
WYOMING: HOUSE BILL 69 (2013) This successful legislative campaign with the Wyoming state legislature raised the fuel tax rate by ten-cents-per-gallon, which will generate approximately $70 million annually.
INDIANA CASE STUDY: BUDGET INCREASE (2013)
INDIANA CASE STUDY: BUDGET INCREASE (2013)
PENNSYLVANIA: HOUSE BILL 1060 (2013)
PENNSYLVANIA: HOUSE BILL 1060 (2013) This successful legislative campaign with the Pennsylvania state legislature produced a five-year, $2.3 billion transportation package. The comprehensive transportation bill passed in November 2013, and it will provide an additional $2.3 to $2.4 billion for Pennsylvania highways, bridges, rail, airports, transit, and bike/pedestrian facilities. The law eliminated the state retail gas tax paid at the pump and removed the cap on the Oil Company Franchise Tax, which was charged at the wholesale level.
TEXAS: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (2013)
TEXAS: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT (2013) In August of 2013, the Texas legislature successfully approved a measure to redirect $1.2 billion annually in oil and gas revenue from the state’s general Rainy Day Fund to support transportation improvements. This constitutional amendment must still be approved by Texas voters in 2014.
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