Breitbach and Thomas agree: Getting passage of a gas tax hike will take a bipartisan effort

State Representative Roger Thomas (left) and State Senator Mike Breitbach (right) share a moment before the start of their Town Hall meeting in Calmar

State Representative Roger Thomas of Elkader--a Democrat--and State Senator Mike Breitbach of Strawberry Point--a Republican--were in agreement Saturday in Calmar, at least on one topic.

The two said getting the votes to increase the gas tax in Iowa will take a bipartisan effort.  Thomas said he hasn't been hearing a whole lot about a gas tax hike among fellow legislators--and has been hearing the strong opposition from Iowans for Tax Relief.

Breitbach says State Representative Josh Byrnes--whose district also includes part of Winneshiek County--has been using his role as leader of the House Transportation Committee to try to drum up support for a ten cent gas tax increase phased in over three years.

"We need these funds," Breitbach told a town hall meeting Saturday, concluding "The gas tax is the fairest way to fund it."

Several county officials from Northeast Iowa and other proponents of a gas tax increase will head to Des Moines February 27th to discuss the need for more funds for transportation needs.

Roger Thomas

Michael Breitbach