Washington Senate Approves Bipartisan Gas Tax Hike

The Washington State Senate has approved a bipartisan transportation budget that raises the state gas tax by six cents per gallon, bringing it to 55.4 cents, with an annual increase of 2% to account for inflation. This measure aims to address a $1 billion budget shortfall in the transportation sector and is projected to raise over $10 billion over six years. Additional revenue will come from increased registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles and a shift of 0.3% of the state's sales tax to the transportation budget. The budget also seeks to complete key infrastructure projects like the North Spokane Corridor and address safety concerns on Washington's roads. While the Senate's plan has received support from both sides, the House is considering a more significant nine-cent increase. Critics warn of the continuous burden on taxpayers, emphasizing the need for efficient project delivery and fiscal responsibility.