Missouri House committee endorses proposed gasoline tax increase

Low gas prices likely have contributed to a positive economic outlook among Missouri consumers over the past few months, as spending less money at the pump leaves more in people's pockets to spend elsewhere. The state's average gas prices were bottoming out around $1.75 a gallon in mid-January.
Low gas prices likely have contributed to a positive economic outlook among Missouri consumers over the past few months, as spending less money at the pump leaves more in people's pockets to spend elsewhere. The state's average gas prices were bottoming out around $1.75 a gallon in mid-January.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - A House committee has unanimously endorsed a proposal to increase Missouri's gasoline tax, sending the measure to the full House, where some Republicans oppose raising taxes.

The House Transportation Committee voted 13-0 Monday to approve raising the gas tax 12.5 cents during the next five years, resulting in a tax of 29.5 cents per gallon. It would be the first increase since 1996. Missouri's current tax of 17 cents a gallon is among the lowest in the nation.

The Missouri Senate approved the measure in March, with supporters saying the state needs the increased revenue to repair and upgrade a deteriorating infrastructure. The tax was forecast to generate more than $450 million.

The legislation also would allow divers to save their gas receipts and apply for a refund once a year.

Gov. Mike Parson and business and labor groups also support the proposed increase.

House Speaker Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, has previously said he's against tax hikes. And it is unclear how quickly the proposal could come to a vote, with three weeks left in the session, The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.