State Senate Committee Approves $.19 Cent Gas Tax Boost

They're almost like the Terminator. They just keep coming, and coming and coming. Year after year it seems like voters shoot down a variety of gas and/or carbon taxes the last few election seasons.

But that hasn't stopped the Washington State Legislature from trying it's best to pry more green from your wallet. You may recall the controversial I-1631 Carbon Tax plan that would have raised gas tax prices by about $.13 cents per gallon. It was defeated at the polls.

But now the Senate Transportation Committee has just approved Senate Bill (SB) 5971. According to it's contents, and an examination by Todd Meyers of The Washington Policy Center, it would raise the gas tax by a whopping $.19 cents per gallon. That would take us to Mt. Everest levels over any other state in the U.S.

Granted, this bill still would have to clear a Senate vote, and committee and vote in the House, but with the Democrats in control, many experts say it's very likely to happen.

According to analysis by Meyers and other opponents, on average, if passed, this bill would cost a two car family between an extra $200 to $300 a year in additional taxes.

KIRO Radio host Dori Monson says the legislature is also looking at more subsidies for electric cars, but this effort is stalling, because it's been realized that only wealthier families can really afford to buy them. And without subsidies, these vehicles take longer than expected to show a return on their investment.

To find out more about what has been a strange, costly and bizarre legislative session in Olympia, click on the button below.