Our governor is pushing for what some lawmakers expect will be 9-cent increase in the gas tax and a 12-cent boost on Tennessee’s diesel tax.
The amounts aren’t certain because Republican Gov. Bill Haslam is still privately shopping the idea among members of the GOP-majority legislature.
Last week Haslam told reporters he knows he must find the “comfort level” that balances state and local transportation needs with increases lawmakers and consumers can accept.
“We obviously have to do something that can get passed,” the Republican governor said. “I think everybody agrees we have to do something. The question now is what.”
He’s right. Road repair isn’t sexy. And orange barrels certainly are not exciting.