Maryland to consider higher gas tax, tolls, and fees

As states throughout the country deal with increased traffic, aging roads, and low transportation revenues, Maryland lawmakers will reconvene in Annapolis in early January to consider raising gas taxes, tolls, public transit fares, and administrative fees for licensing and registration. Although voters do not generally favor higher taxes and fees, lawmakers like Gus Bauman encourage Marylanders to think ahead. The Maryland Transportation Trust Fund is projected to run out by 2018 unless new revenue is pulled in. The Trust Fund helps fund major projects in Maryland, but has also been dipped into by lawmakers to make up for lacking funds for other projects. The proposed increase on taxes and fees also includes a provision blocking lawmakers from using the Trust Fund for any reason other than transportation.