California voters will likely decide on whether to repeal a 12-cents gas tax increase while Missouri voters will decide whether to increase the state's 17-cents per gallon gas tax, fourth lowest in the nation, by 10-cents per gallon over four years.
Gas taxes played a prominent role in California's June primary, helping propel Republican John Cox into the number two slot to face Lieutenant Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Nov. 6, and recall state Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton).
On Nov. 6, Californians will likely decide on the Voter Approval for Gas and Vehicle Taxes Initiative, an initiated constitutional amendment that will not only repeal November's 12-cents per gallon tax increase, but all the other taxes and fees in Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 that produces over $5 billion annually to address the backlog of $130 billion in road, highway and bridge repairs throughout California.
Furthermore, it will mean that the legislature will be prevented from directly increasing the gas tax but will have to let the voters decide, which is just what will voters in Missouri will do on Election Day.
Lieutenant Gov. Mike Parson (R-Mo.) became governor on June 1 following the resignation of Gov. Eric Greitens (R) on May 29. On June 5, Parson "offered his initial support for raising the state’s gasoline tax to help rebuild roads and bridges across Missouri," reports Kurt Erickson for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Unlike California and almost all other states that have increased gas taxes in recent years, the Missouri legislature chose not to outrightly increase the gas tax, last raised in 1996, but to leave it to the electorate.
In one of their final acts before adjourning for the spring, Missouri lawmakers agreed to place a question on the general election ballot calling for a phased-in 10-cent increase in the state’s 17-cent per gallon motor fuel tax.
If approved, the state’s fuel tax for gas and diesel would rise 2.5-cents per year beginning in 2019, topping out at 27 cents in 2022. The proposal also would raise taxes on alternative fuels, including natural gas and propane.
A Planetizen post in February indicated that then-Gov. Eric Greitens (R) was opposed to raising the gas tax, frustrating some legislators. However, according to Tessa Weinberg of the Kansas City Star, his approval was not needed.
The bill passed the House 88-60 on the last day of the session [May 18]. House communications director Trevor Fox said the governor's signature is not needed for the measure to go before voters.
Rep. Jean Evans, R-Manchester, the sponsor of the bill that includes the measure, said the tax would generate at least $288 million annually for the Highway Patrol and $123 million annually to local governments for road construction.
In August 2014, Missourians rejected, with 59 percent of the vote, a 10-year, three-quarter cent sales tax measure for transportation.
Hat tip to Jim Rhodes.
FULL STORY: Missouri governor signals support for gas tax boost
Missouri Voters Rejects Legislative Gas Tax Increase
Missouri legislators approved a bill at the end of the legislative session to place a 10-cents per gallon gas tax increase on the ballot to fund road repair. It had the support of Gov. Mike Parson but was rejected by nearly 54 percent of voters.
Voters in Four States to Decide on Transportation Sales and Fuel Taxes
Californians will determine whether to repeal recent fuel tax and user fee increases; Missourians to vote on a 10-cent gas tax hike over 4 years; Coloradans whether to hike the sales tax, and the most interesting measure will be decided in Utah.
A Small but Significant Fuel Tax Hike for Arkansas
The 3 cent gas tax and 6 cent diesel tax increases are among the lowest of any states that have hiked fuel taxes since 2013, but combined with other revenue sources in the legislation, plus an upcoming sales tax ballot measure, it's historic.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions