On March 12th, Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Wolfe issued an Executive Order creating the Transportation Revenue Options Commission which was established to generate more funds to pay for the state’s road and bridge construction as well as maintenance needs.
The governor has been open about his commitment to removing the state’s gas tax. The current gas tax in Pennsylvania is about 58 cents per gallon. The 58 cents per gallon does not include the federal tax, which is about 18 cents per gallon. The governor has stated from his website, “Phasing out the burdensome gas tax, coupled with seeking long-term reliable funding solutions that will keep pace with our infrastructure needs, deserves a close examination. Forming this bipartisan commission will bring multiple, bipartisan voices to the table to ensure that we can examine reliable, sustainable revenue solutions to address both near-term and long-term funding needs.”
According to the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, at the group’s meeting on March 25th, a consultant contracted by PennDOT presented the Commission with a list of proposals to study and consider. This list includes:
- Doubling the vehicle registration fees
- Imposing a vehicle sales tax
- Electric vehicle fee
- Mileage use fee per vehicle
- Statewide tolling of interstates
- A toll imposed on targeted roadways during rush hours.
In August 2021, the group is expected to publish its first report.
http://ppanews.org/pa-commission-meets-to-review-options-on-phasing-out-gasoline-tax/
https://www.wgal.com/article/gov-tom-wolf-wants-to-phase-out-pennsylvanias-gas-tax/35824718#
https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-commits-to-phasing-out-gas-tax-announces-commission-to-develop-funding-solutions/
