We’ve been down this road before. The tax and spenders didn’t get the gas tax hike they were looking for last session, so they’re trying again this year. And according to Iowa’s six-term Republican Governor, “the timing is right to get it done this year.”
The 20 cents in state taxes you already pay for every gallon of gasoline you buy isn’t enough. Politicians in Des Moines want you to pay 50% more.
According to these politicians, “The Dime” as it’s being called, is the only option to fix Iowa’s deteriorating roads and bridges--an immediate 10-cent increase in Iowa’s Gas Tax. It won’t be phased in, and would make Iowa’s Gas Tax rate the 2nd highest in the Midwest, second only to Wisconsin.
Identical bills have been introduced and approved by transportation sub-committees in the Iowa House (HSB 129) and the Iowa Senate (SSB 1168). The Chairmen of both transportation committees, Rep. Josh Byrnes (R-Osage) and Sen. Tod Bowman (D-Maquoketa) are in favor of the bill.
These bills now move to the full transportation committees in each chamber.
It’s urgent that you contact the committee members immediately!
Click here for a list of House Transportation Committee Members
Click here for a list of Senate Transportation Committee Members
The tax and spenders claim the revenue is urgently needed to address an annual $215 million shortfall in fixing and maintaining Iowa’s deteriorating roads and bridges, particularly in rural areas, but no one knows where that figure came from. It’s true, the State of Iowa has done a poor job of maintaining its infrastructure, but don’t be deceived.
Spending has increased in Iowa by $1 billion since Governor Branstad returned to office, and by $3 billion in the last 10 years, yet we can’t find the money for Iowa’s infrastructure?
Last year, the Governor’s proposed budget would have spent upwards of $7.1 billion, which even the State Auditor said would cost as much as $7.4 billion. The state legislature only approved $6.9 billion in spending, and still had a $400 million shortfall!!
When Iowans see the state budget increase year after year under Governor Branstad, why is the only solution to raise taxes?
Some legislators have admitted publicly that if a 10-cent increase in the Gas Tax is implemented, they’ll be back for more in 2-3 years, because it won’t be enough. Rep. Larry Sheets (R-Moulton) said that “out of a $7.3 billion budget, there should be enough money to take care of something as critical as roads and bridges, and a gas tax would be an unnecessary tax.”
Rep. John Landon (R-Ankeny) said in a recent public forum that when he asked the Iowa State Association of Counties when they thought their infrastructure needs would be met with a revenue increase, their answer was simple: “Never.”
Why vote for a solution that doesn’t solve the problem?
Special interest groups such as the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, the Iowa Soybean Association, and the Iowa Bankers Association are all in favor of an increase in the gas tax. Some legislators have suggested that if Farm Bureau members support such an increase, then their members should help pay for it. Much of the revenue from a Gas Tax increase will go to secondary roads and farm-to-market roads, but dyed diesel is not included in the bill, and is not subject to tax.
Legislators around the state have said they don’t support “The Dime”, yet they agree that the bill for a 10-cent increase has the most support--in part because the Governor is now lobbying on its behalf.
The Governor (most likely) isn’t running for re-election, but Republicans in the state should take notice--the only Republican Governor who lost in 2014 was the one who raised gas taxes.
Please contact the members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees TODAY!!! Tell them to STOP the Gas Tax Hike!!!
Capitol Phone (House) : 515.281.3221
Capitol Phone (Senate): 515.281.3371
Click here for a list of House Transportation Committee Members
Click here for a list of Senate Transportation Committee Members
As Ronald Reagan once said, “When you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”
For Liberty,
Dusty Juhl
Interim State Coordinator
Iowa Campaign for Liberty
P.S. Legislators around the state have said they don’t support “The Dime”, yet they agree that the bill for a 10-cent increase has the most support--in part because the Governor is now lobbying on its behalf.
P.P.S. Right now is the best chance to kill a Gas Tax increase this year. If it passes the House and Senate Transportation Committees, this fight could last until the end of the session!
It’s urgent that you contact the committee members immediately!
Click here for a list of House Transportation Committee Members
Click here for a list of Senate Transportation Committee Members
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