Strickland: Now Is Not The Time For A Tax Increase

COLUMBUS, Ohio —Gas prices are on the rise again—but Central Ohioans aren’t feeling the pain of $4 a gallon. Prices have risen by almost 30 cents from last week.

A state task force is recommending the governor expand the motor fuel tax, NBC 4‘s Mikaela Hunt reported.

The task force made 13 recommendations to create an ideal system in Ohio and ways to fund it—among their recommendations is a 13-cent-per-gallon increase in the gas tax to pay for transportation projects.

Gov. Ted Strickland wanted the group to think in a big and bold manner and that increase would have a big impact on Ohioans.

Ohio’s 21st-Century Transportation Priorities Task Force only can recommend ways to build a better transportation system in Ohio.

When asked if he agreed with the tax recommendation, Strickland said, “I don’t think now is the appropriate time for a tax increase.“

So to build better infrastructure, the state must come up with another option.

Other recommendations include creating a multi-modal transportation system, reducing the state’s carbon footprint and finding a funding source for light, rail and street cars.

Strickland will now discuss some of the ideas with legislative leaders. He said one option may come in the form of federal stimulus dollars the governor has asked for.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News

NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video