Deficit Commission Report Recommends Gas Tax Increase – Vote on Friday

The co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (otherwise known as the deficit reduction commission) today released the commission’s proposed report. While December 1, 2010 was the deadline for a final report as spelled out in President Obama’s Executive Order that established the Commission, the panel's 18 members decided Tuesday that they would give themselves until Friday to review the document and decide whether to support it. Fourteen of the 18 Commissioners must support the recommendations for the report to be approved and sent to Congress. Serving on the panel are a dozen sitting lawmakers from both parties. Included in the report is a recommendation to gradually increase the federal gas tax by 15 cents between 2013 and 2015 with the revenue going to the Highway Trust Fund. The report recommends that Congress limit spending from the trust fund to the level of dedicated revenues collected from the previous year. The report also recommends that Congress adopt significant reforms to control federal highway spending. Specifically, Congress should limit trust fund spending to the most pressing infrastructure needs rather than forcing states to fund low-priority projects. The report also recommends an end to the practice of highway project authorization earmarks. The full report can be accessed here. AGC is working to garner support for the report from at least 14 commissioners. AGC and our construction and transportation allies have issued press statements and contacted Commission members in support of the proposal. AGC Chapters have been asked to do the same. A showing of support from the grass roots will be helpful in this effort. AGC has a letter on the Legislative Action Center for your use in contacting your Congressional delegation.