COLUMBUS – Gov. Mike DeWine is vowing to continue trying to get a larger increase in the state’s gasoline tax through the Statehouse after the Ohio House approved a pared-down version on Thursday.
By a 71-27 bipartisan vote, the House passed DeWine’s transportation budget bill that includes increases in the state’s gas and diesel taxes to help maintain roads and bridges.
“I am happy this legislative body was able to work in a real bipartisan way to address the needs of our roads so that Ohioans can travel safely,” said Rep. Erica C. Crawley (D-Columbus), one of the Democrats who voted in support of the bill.
If it is approved in the Senate and signed by DeWine, the bill would increase the gas tax by 10.7 cents per gallon over two years and the diesel tax by 20 cents per gallon over three years. Both increases would start Oct. 1.
DeWine, a Republican, called the bill “far from ideal” but acknowledged that is a step in the right direction and he praised lawmakers for approving a Democratic-backed proposal to increase the share of the gas tax revenue for counties and cities.
The House-passed bill is far from ideal, but I appreciate the strong bipartisan acknowledgement that our state and local jurisdictions have a major revenue shortage to deal with vital transportation needs. I am very open to dialogue with the legislature on this issue, but I continue to believe that our proposal as introduced provides the money it takes to do the job right. –Gov. Mike DeWine statement
The tax increase on gasoline would be phased-in by 7 cents in 2019 and 3.7 cents in 2020. DeWine proposed increasing the current 28-cents-per-gallon tax by 18 cents a gallon.
“I plan to work with the Senate to improve the House-passed bill and work toward a final agreement that funds vital maintenance, new construction, promotes jobs, makes our state more competitive, and enhances safety for the driving public,” he said.
House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) admitted to the need for a gas tax hike for road repairs without being an outspoken fan of DeWine’s request.
“The House plan fulfills Ohio’s immediate transportation and public safety needs, and looks toward the future,” he said.
The bill included other Democratic amendments, including a provision that would provide public transit with $100 million a year in federal transportation funds, instead of the $40 million DeWine had proposed, in a state that ranks near the bottom on the list of those that provide support for mass transit.
“I’m pleased that we were able to negotiate $200 million for public transit over the next two years, which is crucial to my district as our population continues to grow,” said Rep. Allisson Russo (R-Upper Arlington).
“Investing in public transit reduces poverty, creates job opportunities and has the potential to reduce Ohio’s infant mortality rates. Better connecting those who are ready to work with available jobs makes Ohio even more attractive to new businesses. In addition, public transit helps us live up to our responsibility as stewards of our environment, making the air we breathe cleaner, lessening traffic congestion and reducing our carbon footprint.” –Rep. David Leland (D-Columbus)
Another Democratic amendment increased the share of the tax revenue set aside for local communities by 5 percent, which the supporters said currently face an estimated $1.5 billion shortfall for road and bridge repairs. The increases will be divided 55/45 between the Ohio Department of Transportation and local governments, increasing local revenue to approximately $390 million per year.
This compromise is a real win for working people and the communities they live in. We’ve created a bipartisan framework that invests in local communities, expands transit options and truly moves our state forward.” -Assistant Minority Leader Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus)
Not everyone was prepared to accept the two-year, $7.9 billion bill.
“I don’t believe supporting a tax increase today can make up for the Statehouse failures of the past. We owe it to our fellow citizens to work together to find permanent solutions to permanent problems that have held back communities like ours for too long,” said Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville), one of the 27 no votes, along with fellow central Ohio Democrats Adam of Columbus and Dr. Beth Liston of Dublin.