Capitol View

The annual difficulty of passing a gas tax increase.

Posted at 11:59 AM on May 7, 2007 by Tom Scheck

Take a look at these stories (here, here and here) on the spike in gas prices.

The spikes happen every year around this time as oil refiners work to meet the peak summer driving demand. It's also the same time state lawmakers get down the nitty gritty of budget negotiations as the session draws to a close.

Jump to this session. A bipartisan group of lawmakers are pushing for a 10 cent a gallon gas tax increase to pay for transportation projects across the state. Gov. Pawlenty opposes the gas tax increase and has been touting this Survey USA poll saying a majority of Minnesotans oppose a gas tax increase.

Supporters of the gas tax increase now have a tough decision ahead. Do they go against public sentiment for something they believe is for the greater good? Or maybe they should wait and pass the transportation bill in January when the price isn't as high.

May 2007
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About Poligraph

The feature examines statements made by Minnesota politicians and checks them for accuracy. Based on data analysis, document reviews and interviews with non-partisan analysts, statements are rated either true, false or inconclusive. PoliGraph is a collaboration between Minnesota Public Radio News and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. More

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