Texas needs to raise the gas tax (Austin: schools, taxes)

[rangergrit]

Texas needs to raise the gas tax.

I moved here from Florida, and their gas tax is $.15 higher than here.

The difference between FDOT and TxDOT is overwhelming. They are constantly improving roads and we are way behind. And in some places, like Austin, it's even worse because of SOS and Sierra Club.

But really, we need to raise ours $.20 more because 25% of our gas tax goes to schools.

The Federal gas tax is now being discussed in the new congress. Congressmen of both parties are considering it. But Texas needs to raise the state tax, and the lower gas prices now make this an ideal time.

[Eastcoasting]

No thanks.

[tom331]

I am OK to raise gas tax if it spends on the new road and repairs the old one. Build more freeway not the toll road.

[ppp38]

Gas is so cheap right now, this session would be the time to do it but it won't happen. We do need better roads in this State

[Mark Senior]

Yep, raise taxes but just for the roads. But it would be nice to help the lower populated places too. I know NOBODY ever wants taxes to rise.

[Westerner92]

I can agree. Taxes haven't been raised since 1993, so TxDOT's budget is effectively shrinking every year because of inflation. Texas roads are struggling to even be maintained.

[Midessan]

I think it is the wrong time now. Texas could fall into recession soon and tax hikes will make it worse. The time to raise taxes was years ago.

[verybadgnome]

Yes now is a great time to do it. It would be much more fair than an increase to registration which does not take into account miles driven and results in massive subsidies to supercommuters at the expense of grandma who drives 3k a year.

It would not really be a tax raise either but more of an increase to keep up with inflation. This is the problem of fixed amount taxes in general, they need periodic adjustments.

Texas will not fall into a recession any time soon whether the gas tax is raised or not. Certain areas of the state will grow slower if the price of oil keeps falling but that is another topic.

[AuburnAL]

No thanks. Same response for a federal gas tax hike. I am enjoy the savings on gas because I know it won't last forever. Why burden ourselves even more when the prices jump back up?

[jlloyd87]

Originally Posted by rangergrit

Texas needs to raise the gas tax.

I moved here from Florida, and their gas tax is $.15 higher than here.

The difference between FDOT and TxDOT is overwhelming. They are constantly improving roads and we are way behind. And in some places, like Austin, it's even worse because of SOS and Sierra Club.

But really, we need to raise ours $.20 more because 25% of our gas tax goes to schools.

The Federal gas tax is now being discussed in the new congress. Congressmen of both parties are considering it. But Texas needs to raise the state tax, and the lower gas prices now make this an ideal time.

Just come to California, and you'll feel much better. I moved here from Texas, and CA has the 2nd highest gas tax (behind NY). Also, they just raised it by $0.10 per gallon. Trust me when I say that higher gas taxes don't equal better roads. CalDOT spends it all on freeway widening projects so I get to see them standing around as I hit a crater in the road. Every time we get to Texas, my wife (native CA) comments on how nice the roads are. I guess my point is, it could be worse. Although when comparing yourself to California...