Three lawmakers forming group to oppose proposed fuel tax

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Three state lawmakers Thursday announced plans to oppose a proposal to raise the state's tax on gasoline and diesel fuel to pay for road and bridge repairs.<br/><br/>Democrat

Thursday, June 30th 2005, 1:24 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Three state lawmakers Thursday announced plans to oppose a proposal to raise the state's tax on gasoline and diesel fuel to pay for road and bridge repairs.

Democrat Terry Harrison and Republicans Thad Balkman and Rex Duncan say they agree roads and bridges need repair. But the three say the Legislature has approved a plan to eventually spend $170-million a year on roads and bridges.

Voters will decide on September 13th whether to raise the tax on gas by five cents per gallon and the tax on diesel by eight cents. Supporters say the tax would raise $150-million a year for road and bridge maintenance and repair.

The tax increase is promoted by Oklahomans for Safe Roads and Bridges which circulated petitions calling for a statewide vote on the question.