The Montana House has endorsed what would be the state's first fuel tax hike in 24 years. The bill would raise the state's tax on gas by 8 cents a gallon and on diesel by 7.25 cents a gallon."We have over 900 bridges that need repair," says Republican Representative Frank Garner of Kalispell. "Thirty percent of our roads are in poor condition. We are underfunded annually, a billion dollars. That’s the condition we find ourselves in."
The measure passed its first vote 56-44 today, with 17 Republicans joining 39 Democrats in voting yes. It must pass a final vote before it goes to the Senate.
Opponents of the bill say it's a bad idea to raise taxes on their constituents. Until now, Republican majority members have resisted all tax proposals this legislative session.
