Iowa Legislature approves 10-cent gas tax hike

The Iowa Senate and Iowa House of Representatives both approved a 10-cent increase in the state's gas tax on Tuesday.

The measure has been sent on to Governor Terry Branstad, who has said in the past he would probably sign any such bill approved by the legislature.  Depending on when Branstad signs the bill into law, the higher tax would begin either March 1st or April 1st.

It will be the first increase in the motor fuel use tax in 26 years if the governor signs the measure.  Winneshiek County officials had argued in favor of the increase, saying they needed more money in order to fix the county's deteriorating roads and bridges.

State Representative Josh Byrnes of Osage had led the fight for the higher gas tax in his role as chair of the House Transportation Committee.  He was joined by State Representative Darrel Branhagen and State Senator Michael Breitbach in voting for the measure.  State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco voted against the measure.