Conservatives urge lawmakers to oppose gas tax increase

A group of 50 conservative Tennesseans that includes former state lawmakers, members of the state Republican Party’s executive committee and county parties are urging lawmakers to reject any efforts to raise the gas tax.

The group sent lawmakers a letter Tuesday saying they not only oppose Gov. Bill Haslam’s gas tax proposal but they want any additional spending on roads and bridges to be paid for with the state’s surplus and a review of the “funding, processes and procedures” of the state Department of Transportation in an effort to ensure taxpayers are “getting the maximum benefit from our tax dollars.”

Among those to sign the letter are Andy Ogles, director of the state chapter of Americans for Prosperity, Tennessee Pastors Network President Dale Walker, Nashville Tea Party founder Ben Cunningham, Tennessee Firearms Association Executive Director John Harris, nine members of the state GOP’s executive committee, along with former state lawmakers Rick Womick, Joe Carr and Billy Spivey.

Americans for Prosperity has been among the more vocal opponents to the governor’s proposed gas tax hike. A recently amended version of Haslam’s proposal in the Senate would increase the gas tax by 6 cents over a three year period.

The House version of Haslam’s caption bill — broadly written legislation that allows for changes — was amended to incorporate aspects of a plan from Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, in that it relies on using a portion of existing revenue generated through sales taxes to pay for the state’s transportation needs instead of a gas tax increase. Other amendments to the House bill are expected.

“We do not believe that any tax increase or new taxes are needed while Tennessee has been the beneficiary of billions of dollars in new recurring revenue and surpluses in recent years, including an anticipated nearly two billion dollars in surplus and recurring revenue in the upcoming fiscal year,” the conservatives wrote in their letter.

The state has projected a $1.1 billion surplus in one-time funds and another $750 million in revenue growth. Haslam’s office says significant portions of the money need to be dedicated to pay for various needs.

The conservative group says the state can pay for its road projects from the surplus but also says Tennessee should wait the federal government moves forward on transportation.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.