LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska motorists will pay higher taxes at the gas pump to pay for road and bridge repairs, despite Gov. Pete Ricketts' objections.
Lawmakers on Thursday overrode the Republican governor's veto of a 6-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase.
The proposal would raise Nebraska's total gas tax over four years to 31.6 cents per gallon. The tax would generate an additional $25 million annually for the state and $51 million for cities and counties once fully implemented.
Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, the bill's sponsor, says the gas tax is the most effective way to pay for construction work to help improve road safety and the economy.
Ricketts, a Republican, has said his new state roads director is planning to look at funding alternatives.
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The bill is LB610
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