Rising fuel prices slow Iowa fuel tax legislation

Rising fuel prices have raised a speed bump on the legislative road to a higher fuel tax in Iowa.

The Gazette reports backers of the proposal acknowledge the obstacle but haven?t given up their quest.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen said Thursday the legislation doesn?t have ?the requisite support in the Legislature, and Iowans sure don?t support it right now.?

A House panel has approved an 8-cent fuel tax increase and an increase in taxes on new vehicles. The two increases together would raise an estimated $230 million annually for road repairs. The Senate is considering a measure, too.

Sen. Tom Rielly, D-Oskaloosa, says a fuel tax increase ?is always going to be a tough sell, but when gas prices go up it makes it just that much tougher.?