The state gas tax cannot provide the funding that Washington needs for its transportation system, according to a recent opinion piece published by the Seattle Times. But state legislators can look to bold, progressive revenue options for the future.
Washington needs to find better ways to fund transportation that shift away from the state’s gas tax, write Jessica Koski, Susan Balbas, and Alex Hudson in an opinion piece. State Senator Curtis King’s proposed solutions are not sufficient to create the cleaner, more efficient transportation system the state needs, they say.
"It’s time for state legislators to explore new, stable ways to fund transportation that don’t burden low-income communities and can fund a range of transportation solutions Washingtonians need, including transit. Solutions like an air quality surcharge, road usage charge and a luxury transportation tax need to be on the table," say Koski, Balbas, and Hudson.
In addition, they say transportation solutions should offer the most mobility options, for people and goods, as well as environmental benefits. "We urge state legislators to support the Transportation for All Bill sponsored by Rep. Sharon Shewmake and Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (SB 6398), which will make sure transportation projects and funding priorities are evaluated and selected based on performance over politics."
Read the full story: Better ways to fund and invest in a transportation system for all
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