Should the Politicians Raise the Gas Tax?
Sounds unpopular but a few in government are quietly contemplating such plans.
May 2, 2008— -- Go to any gas station across America today, and you would be hard-pressed to find a smile.
With gasoline prices at an all-time high, more and more motorists are seeing a larger and larger chunk of their paychecks go into their gas tanks.
So it is no surprise that two of the three presidential candidates -- Republican John McCain and Democrat Hillary Clinton -- are campaigning on a plan to halt the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents a gallon for the peak summer driving season.
But what about actually increasing the gas tax?
How Are You Dealing With Gas Prices? Tell ABC News
That might not be the most popular idea with gas approaching $4 a gallon, but the idea is floating around -- albeit quietly -- in some corners.
A higher gas tax would provide more money for better roads, improved mass transit and, in theory, would lower the number of drivers to the benefit of the environment.
Still, that doesn't necessarily make it a popular topic.
In Virginia, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is looking for a way to fund much-needed highway repairs and construction. The governor, a Democrat, plans to call state lawmakers into a special session to find the money.
One option: Increase the state's 17.5 cent-a-gallon gas tax.
"He's not ruling it out, and he's not supporting it," Kaine's spokesman Gordon Hickey told ABC News. "It is one of several issues out there being considered."
Earlier in the week, Kaine said during an interview with a Washington, D.C., area radio station: "All options are on the table."
Related Stories
ABC News Live