Nixon backs 'common sense' plan to raise state fuel taxes

A state lawmaker's proposal to raise fuel taxes to fund Missouri's roads and bridges better offers a "common-sense, first step," Gov. Jay Nixon said during a stop Thursday at the Southeast Missouri Regional Port.

Nixon said he supports a plan by state Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, that would raise the tax on gasoline by 1.5 cents a gallon and the tax on diesel fuel by 3.5 cents a gallon.

A Senate committee unanimously approved the measure Wednesday.

Nixon said voter approval would not be needed to enact what he called "a very modest bump" to fuel prices.

"I think Sen. Libla has got this one right," Nixon said.

"It is a unique opportunity," he said. "With gas prices as low as they are, it is a good time to make a modest gas-tax increase."

Nixon said Missouri needs more funding for its roads and bridges.

"I have not noticed anyone giving away free concrete and asphalt. We are going to have to pay for this stuff," he said.

The governor criticized plans by others to use general revenue to pay for road and bridge improvements.

Nixon said he opposes using general revenue to "fill up potholes." He added such a move would take funding away from other state agencies.

"We don't need a quick fix. We need to make a down payment on what is going to be an important investment for our state for years to come," Nixon said.

He blasted proposals by some GOP gubernatorial candidates, including Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, to free up existing gas-tax money by using general revenue to fund the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

"That is wrong," Nixon said.

"When you switch out what has been traditionally the best way to fund roads and bridges in our state and instead you pick an agency and try to rob from it, that is not the way we have operated the state since 1821, and we sure don't need to start doing it differently in 2016."

Such proposals, he contended, are "shell games."

"People understand that when you are moving money from one place to another, it's not like you are making more money," Nixon said.

Libla's legislation, on the other hand, offers "the best plan for us to move forward," Nixon said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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