Iowa lawmakers struggle to deal with fuel tax plan

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa lawmakers are unsure whether to support or oppose a proposed increase in the fuel tax.

The tax, which stands at 21 cents a gallon, was last raised in 1989.

A Senate panel has approved a 10-cent-per-gallon increase and a House panel has backed an 8 cent increase.

It's a difficult issue for lawmakers, especially Republicans, because powerful groups have taken strongly opposing views on the issue.

Iowans for Tax Relief, which runs the state's largest political action committee, has been adamant that Republicans should oppose any election-year tax increase. But the Iowa Farm Bureau supports the increase, arguing that roads have deteriorated and hurt farmers who rely on them to transport their crops.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says it might be a while before Republicans decide what to do.