OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Senate Democrats are contemplating a proposal to increase state gas taxes to address a transportation budget shortfall.
The plan includes a six-cent increase in the fuel tax, set to take effect this summer, along with hikes in electric vehicle fees.
“The primary sources are a six-cent increase in the fuel tax that would take effect this summer and increases in our electric vehicle fees,” said a spokesperson. “Currently EV drivers pay $225 that would go to $275 and our hybrid vehicles pay an additional fee of $75 that would go to $100.”
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Meanwhile, gas prices in Washington continue to rise. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in the state is $4.11, marking a three-cent increase over the past week.
Seattle drivers are paying an average of $4.31 per gallon, up two cents from the previous week.
Nationally, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.13, which is a four-cent increase over the last seven days.
