Compromise on gas tax appears within reach

By Sioux City Journal

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Compromise on an increase in Iowa's gas tax appears to be within easy reach during this legislative session.

Bipartisan support exists within the Legislature for a plan under which the tax would be increased over two years, beginning in 2013. In a recent editorial board meeting with the Journal, Gov. Terry Branstad signaled he would support an increase in the tax if the Department of Transportation first identifies tens of millions of dollars in savings he wants, if the tax is phased in over more than one year and if the increase doesn't begin until the middle of next year.

Rep. David Tjepkes, R-Gowrie, and Sen. Tim Rielly, D-Oskaloosa, the chairmen of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, respectively, have proposed a plan under which the tax would be hiked by four cents in 2013 and by another four cents in 2014. When fully implemented, the plan would produce an additional $180 million a year for the road use tax fund. The plan is close to the 10-cent increase recommended in October by the Governor's 2020 Citizen Advisory Commission.

We urge its passage.

No one can reasonably dispute the transportation infrastructure challenges we face in our state. According to the Department of Transportation, the annual deficit between road and bridge needs and the revenue available to meet them is almost $1.5 billion; for critical needs, more than $200 million.

In our view, the economy in Iowa has improved enough to make an increase palatable. The fact the Iowa gas tax has not been raised since 1989, the fact Iowa's gas tax ranks in the bottom third among states, the fact our unmet transportation needs are large and growing and the fact the burden of this tax is borne by visitors to Iowa as well as residents strengthen arguments for an increase.

If the state wishes to properly meet its fundamental obligation to provide safe roads and bridges and adequately meet the need for a modern transportation infrastructure system crucial to future economic success, then it must stop putting off this discussion.

A reasonable, effective gas tax proposal - one we believe Iowans will support and Branstad will sign - is on the table. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers should get behind it.