Republican senator defends gas tax vote
Mar 5, 2015, 3:58 PM | Updated: 5:54 pm
The transportation package that passed through the Senate Monday would increase gas taxes by more than 11 cents in the next few years. (AP)
(AP)
Senator Michael Baumgartner (R-Spokane) said he supports a transportation package that will increase gas taxes because it’s a step toward fixing the state’s current mess.
“Not only are we trying to fix problems left from the last extreme environmental governor the state had, we’re trying to prevent further problems from the current governor we have,” Baumgartner told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson Show on Thursday.
The Senate on Monday approved the $15 billion transportation revenue package that includes an incremental gas tax increase of 11.7 cents over the next three years.
The chamber passed the revenue bill on a 27-22 bipartisan vote.
Related: Republicans supporting tax increases are ignoring their constituents
The reason Republicans supported the package – at least in part – is because it sets aside $8 billion for roads. Spokane, which Baumgartner represents, will receive $1 billion. The other $7 billion would go to ferries and other modes of transportation, and pedestrian access.
Though he would prefer his constituents in Eastern Washington were not paying for Puget Sound-area transportation, the package benefits rural areas, Baumgartner told Dori. That’s why it was supported by 20 Republicans.
“It supports more from Eastern Washington than ever before,” he said.
The package makes the state “more responsible” with its money, according to the senator. For example, no money will go to the Seattle tunnel project and Bertha. Baumgartner said he would not defend the decisions made by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Transportation in the state is an “absolute mess,” according to Baumgartner. He told Dori that former governor Christine Gregoire left no money for road maintenance. The state doesn’t have enough money to build new roads, let alone maintain current ones, he said.
Though it’s not perfect, the transportation package is a step in the right direction, especially if it is upsetting other political groups, Baumgartner said.
“When you have the environmental left screaming about what a terrible deal it is and the teacher’s union screaming about what a terrible deal it is, it’s probably a good deal, from a conservative perspective,” the senator said.
