Missouri Cannot Afford Gas Tax Increase
Only in Washington would it make sense to raise the gas tax at a time when Missourians facing record prices at the pump. Yet, that is exactly what some national groups are asking Congress to do.
The current federal gas tax is 18.4 cents per gallon. In addition, many states have added their own gas tax on top to help pay for their infrastructure improvements.
Raising taxes on motorists hurts our families and hurts our economy. I will fight all attempts to raise the taxes Missouri families pay at the pump. We need to be working to reduce the price of gas, not increase it.
What's worse, this proposed tax increase comes at a time when gas prices continue to rise. Most of the gas stations in our area are edging toward $4 a gallon. Some economists are predicting $5 a gallon gas this summer. We do not need more taxes; we need an energy policy that addresses our growing energy costs.
To combat rising energy prices, we need to increase American sources of energy. This includes increasing production of renewable fuels and conservation. It also includes tapping into the sources of energy we have and are not using in this country. Millions of barrels of oil exist in Artic National Wildlife Refuge and off the costal shelf, but are not currently being used. By going after the energy we have in our own backyard, we can reduce the prices we pay.
Missourians need an energy policy, not higher taxes on their gas.
Sincerely,
