Fuel Taxes Rise in 10 States, Drop in 3

As of July 1, fuel tax adjustments left drivers in 10 states paying more at the pump, while three states saw small cuts. California drivers face some of the steepest costs, with combined diesel taxes reaching 97.1 cents per gallon after a state-mandated hike. Republican lawmakers urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to suspend the increase, citing AAA data showing Californians pay $1.57 more per gallon than the national average. “This is simply unsustainable for the constituents we represent,” nine GOP lawmakers wrote in a June 23 letter.

Newsom defended the increase, saying it funds essential road repairs. “California gas prices are 20 cents lower than one month ago and 17 cents lower than one year ago — despite a swirl of misinformation,” he said.

Connecticut, Kentucky and Maryland saw declines tied to formulas based on fuel prices or inflation. Elsewhere, increases in states including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia and Washington aim to bolster infrastructure funding. Washington imposed one of the steepest hikes, raising gasoline taxes to 55.4 cents and diesel to 58.4 cents per gallon. Source: https://www.ttnews.com