Kibbie pushes for increase in state's gas tax

The president of the Iowa Senate says it's time for lawmakers to put aside politics and send a bill raising the fuel tax to Gov. Terry Branstad.

Senate President Jack Kibbie, an Emmetsburg Democrat, says he believes there's bipartisan support for a tax increase to pay for work on the state's roads and bridges.

Kibbie noted Thursday that roads are in especially bad shape in rural areas, including some where farmers have a hard time delivering products to market.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, of Hiawatha, wouldn't say whether the Republican-controlled House would support an increase.

An interim legislative committee

has recommended increasing the tax, but Gov. Terry Branstad has instead proposed redirecting $50 million in transportation money to help repair roads and bridges. Branstad

has expressed openness to a future increase.