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Branstad declines to voice opinion on fuel tax increase

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February 16th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he expects to approve legislation this session that would address road funding, but he declined to say whether it would be through a 10 cent increase to the fuel tax. Branstad told reporters Monday that legislation in the House and Senate could change before it reaches his desk for approval. When asked if he would support a 10 cent tax increase, he said he would reserve judgment until seeing a final draft.

The bills as they’re currently written would raise the state fuel tax by 10 cents. Panels have sent bills to full committees in the House and the Senate for consideration. Branstad and lawmakers have been vocal about raising money to help fix Iowa’s network of bridges and roads, many of which are in disrepair.