This article focuses on Rep. Tom Petri’s (a Republican representing Wisconsin) recent statement on the nation’s transportation funding and the growing awareness that an increase in the gas tax is necessary. He noted that even industry groups such as the American Trucking Association have approached lawmakers to increase the tax because it is less expensive for them to pay a tax than it is for them to pay for repairs and other issues caused roads in bad condition. While some lawmakers, including the chairman of the House Transportation Committee Rep. Bill Shuster have come out as opposed to the tax, Rep. Petri asserts that all options are on the table. While the current funding bill is set to expire in the near future, this type of discussion is encouraging as many are recognizing the desperate need for funding our nation’s transportation infrastructure.
