Washington state lawmakers are revving up their calculators and eyeing your gas tanks to patch up the state's transportation budget. The latest pit stop on this fiscal journey? A proposed gas tax hike that might have drivers digging a little deeper at the pump.
Here are Five Fast Facts about gas taxes going up in Washington State:
- 📈 Pump Up The Volume (of Taxes) - The Senate's plan would increase the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon, bringing it to 55.4 cents—not including the 18.4-cent federal rate. Starting next year, this tax would rise by 2% annually to keep up with inflation, and would raise $1.5 billion over the next six years. What, did you expect taxes not to go up? 😆
- 📈📈 House Rules - Not to be outdone, the House proposes an even heftier 9-cent hike, also indexed to inflation, aiming to raise $1.8 billion over the next six years. Both increases would take effect on July 1. Because if you can afford a little more, why not a lot more? It’s just your money, it’s unlimited, right?
- 🥉 Third Place Isn't Always Bad - Washington's gas tax is already the third-highest in the nation, trailing only California and Pennsylvania. But don’t worry, we’re shooting for #1! Won’t it be great??
- 💨 Fee-Fi-Fo-Fund - Beyond gas taxes, the Senate suggests a $50 increase in EV registration fees and rental car taxes, a new tax on luxury vehicles over $100,000, and a $10 assessment on traffic infractions. Time to rethink that lead foot!
- 👍 Furlough Follies - Even with these proposed hikes, the Senate's budget plan includes 13 furlough days in fiscal year 2026 for certain state transportation workers. So, pay more and potentially get less? Sounds like a typical government strategy…
🔥Bottom line: As Washington lawmakers navigate the bumpy road of transportation funding, drivers might feel like they're being taken for a ride. With gas taxes and fees potentially climbing, it might be time to consider carpooling, biking, or finally investing in that teleportation device we've all been dreaming about. Or, you know, vote for lawmakers who don’t spend your tax dollars like there’s no tomorrow.
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