House Republicans reject tax increase for Virginia transportation fix

By: Associated Press | WSLS
Published: March 07, 2008

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Republicans in the House of Delegates say there is no need to raise taxes statewide to fix Virginia's wrecked transportation funding plan and that it can be done before the General Assembly adjourns on Saturday.
One week ago, the Supreme Court ruled that unelected regional authorities created by last year's law to levy taxes in Hampton Roads and northern Virginia were unconstitutional.
Senate Democrats have proposed statewide tax increases on wholesale gasoline and vehicle purchases to cover road maintenance, along with additional tax increases in northern Virginia and Hampton Roads for roads projects.
House GOP leaders said Friday only the regional component of the plan needs fixing, and that can be done by putting the taxing authority in an elected body's hands. They say anything more would delay a resolution.