Indiana GOP announces tax-hiking agreement to pay for roads

INDIANAPOLIS — Republicans who control the Indiana Statehouse announced details of an agreement Thursday that would raise taxes on motorists in order to pay for improvements for crumbling infrastructure.

It was an unusual victory lap for top GOP leaders who have been more accustomed to championing tax cuts over the last decade.

"We want them to start smelling asphalt in July," House Speaker Brian Bosma said. "That is when the taxes increase, the user fees increase."

The agreement, a major Republican priority, is expected to come up for a vote Friday before lawmakers adjourn for the year. Gov. Eric Holcomb has signaled that he will sign it.

The measure would raise fuel taxes by 10 cents a gallon while creating a new $15 vehicle registration fee. Hybrid owners would have to pay a $50 fee, while electric car owners would have to pay a $150 fee.

Read more: http://www.southbendtribune.com/news/politics/indiana-gop-announces-tax-hiking-agreement-to-pay-for-roads/article_22631f70-6613-587d-b0d0-73446fb18be4.html