Washington state introduces bill to increase state gas tax

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Lawmakers in Washington state have introduced legislation that could increase the state gas tax, making it the highest in the country at 67.4 cents a gallon. KING-TV reported that the proposal calls for a 18-cent increase a gallon in the state’s gas tax. The bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Jake Fey would increase the price by 10 cents a gallon this year and another 8 cents a gallon in 2022. Officials say Washington state drivers currently pay 49.4 cents a gallon in state taxes. Fey said the funding would pay for transportation projects. Some lawmakers have argued the state should instead prioritize aid for residents impacted by the pandemic.