Louisiana House to Vote on Gas Tax Increase

The full House is expected to vote this week on whether the state should raise its gas tax .17 cents a gallon to fund infrastructure projects.Well, isn't that just dandy. What the hell are they doing with the money we already pay in gas tax? Have you noticed any improvements to the state's roadways? I know a lot of people feel the same way about Louisiana's penchant for charging fees and raising taxes. It's like we pay all that money every time we tank up, but there just doesn't seem to be any improvement at all.

I can't imagine how anyone could be in favor of higher gas taxes. As I drive around the state it seems that our freeways and bridges are just being neglected. Another common response I get when the subject of higher taxes arises, is, "What are they doing with the money from the last tax hike? It seems that Louisiana's roads don't really get a lot of attention. I-10 between here and Beaumont is like driving on an unpaved road. We won't even get into the subject of the I-10 bridge and what a controversy that is.

The bottom line is that, if the bill is approved, it would generate about $500 million for improvements to road projects and such, but it feels like we've all heard that story before. Everything they raise the taxes we're promised that the state will become a new place if we just increase fees and taxes. When are all these improvements going to take place.

We'll know soon since the House is scheduled to vote on that bill tomorrow.The House will vote on the bill Wednesday.