Ohio's House, Senate approve proposal to increase state gas tax

The increases mean Ohioans would pay a state tax rate of 38.5 cents per gallon on gas, and 47 cents a gallon on diesel fuel.
After much debate about how much to hike that tax - the House and Senate quickly voted this compromise through today.

Ohio lawmakers approved a 10.5 cent gas tax hike - and 19 cents for diesel fuel - the first such increase since 2003.
It's part of Governor DeWine's plan to fix crumbling roads and bridges across the state.

"This is something that had to be done, frankly, if this state was going to move forward," DeWine said. "It had to be done if we were going to keep our families safe."

Earlier this year, DeWine wanted an 18 cent hike on the gas tax, but was tempered by the Senate and House's own proposals.
Ohio's current gas tax is 29th out of the 50 states.
Pennsylvanians pay the highest gas tax per gallon in the US - almost 59 cents.

Jake Thomas of Poland sees the increase as a given, and is optimistic it will do what it's meant to do.

"I live on a road that has a lot of potholes and Lord willing, they will spend that money in a good way," he said.

Others like Joseph Spragan of Struthers see it as another money grab.

"It's crazy because they keep raising it and they still ain't fixing the roads!" he said.

Governor DeWine still has to sign the measure into law.
It would go into effect July 1.