NASHVILLE – Proponents of Gov. Bill Haslam’s transportation plan jammed the revised legislation and its fuel tax increases through a House panel with minimum debate Tuesday, and the bill’s sponsor now says he sees a clearer path to the chamber’s floor.
“The heavy lifting is done and it’s just a matter now between the Senate and the House over what we include in the bill and what we do not,” said House Transportation Committee Chairman Barry Doss, R- Lawrenceburg.
Earlier, Rep. Tim Wirgau, R-Buchanan, cut off debate on the bill, which calls for increasing gas taxes by 6 cents and diesel by 10 cents over three years, along with several fee increases in other areas, through his panel on a voice vote.
It appeared there were more supporters than opponents, and Doss said he believes most committee members voted “yes.”
“The votes were clearly there,” Doss said, saying he “greatly” respects Wirgau and believes “he was anticipating a lot of negative comments. There weren’t any.”