A new report from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform says that “Our nation is on an unsustainable fiscal path…The problem is real, and the solution will be painful.” The Commission recommends a 15-cent per gallon gas tax increase to fund transportation infrastructure.
From the report:
RECOMMENDATION 1.7: FULLY FUND THE TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND INSTEAD OF RELYING ON DEFICIT SPENDING.
Dedicate a 15-cent per gallon increase in the gas tax to transportation funding, and limit spending if necessary to match the revenues the trust fund collects each year.
The Commission recommends gradually increasing the per gallon gas tax by 15 cents between 2013 and 2015. Congress must limit spending from trust funds to the level of dedicated revenues from the previous year. Before asking taxpayers to pay more for roads, rail, bridges, and infrastructure, we must ensure existing funds are not wasted. The Commission recommends significant reforms to control federal highway spending. Congress should limit trust fund spending to the most pressing infrastructure needs rather than forcing states to fund low-priority projects. It should also end the practice of highway authorization earmarks such as the infamous Bridge to Nowhere.
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A statement in approval of the report was signed by the following organizations, saying, “We strongly support their proposal to phase-in a 15-cent federal motor-fuels-tax increase to ensure the U.S. surface transportation network is strategically upgraded to promote and accommodate future economic growth…The infrastructure investment component of the proposal is consistent with the recommendations of two independent, bipartisan commissions established by Congress in the last major transportation bill.”
- American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials
- American Concrete Pipe Association
- American Council of Engineering Companies
- American Highway Users Alliance
- American Public Transportation Association
- American Road & Transportation Builders Association
- American Society of Civil Engineers
- American Traffic Safety Services Association
- American Trucking Associations
- Associated General Contractors of America
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers
- Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute
- International Union of Operating Engineers
- Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust
- Laborers’ International Union of North America
- National Asphalt Pavement Association
- National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
- National Stone, Sand, & Gravel Association
- National Utility Contractors Association
- Portland Cement Association
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America
Tags: American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, Gas tax, National Commission onf Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, Transportation Trust Fund
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