The Governor’s Business Council released a report last month on how best to fund Texas highway needs.  The Austin American-Statesman’s editorial board weighed in on the Council’s recommendation to raise the gasoline tax by declaring it deserving of serious study by the Legislature.

The Statesman board maintains that even if a higher gasoline tax doesn’t eliminate the need for tolls, it could at least reduce the number of tolled roads or allow lower tolls and recommended the legislators approve an increase to make up for the loss of value to inflation.

The public has indicated support for requiring auto manufacturers to build higher mileage cars and trucks, but the auto industry and its labor union supporters have blocked efforts to do so in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Raising gasoline tax is a good idea, even if we still need toll roads - Austin American-Statesman
November 2006 study by the Governor’s Business Council