MEMPHIS, Tenn. — State Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris said Thursday that while he is not in favor of an imminent tax increase on gas, Gov. Bill Haslam has not called for that.
Norris said some believe there is a conflict when there is not one.
Some observers believe Haslam’s 15-stop tour will involve efforts to up the gas tax.
“Some in the media want to say, ‘Oh, this is just about a gas tax,'” Norris said. “The gas tax is sort of passe these days, quite frankly. We can’t talk about how to pay for anything until we know what projects people have in mind.”
Both leaders are Republicans. Norris said he agrees with Haslam traveling the state to listen about transportation and infrastructure needs.
Haslam told our CBS-affiliate station in Nashville, WTVF, that transportation projects cost $6 billion, and that number will only get bigger.
“I think the responsible thing to do is look and see what are all the needs we have in the state, and how do we prioritize those before we jump and say here’s how we should spend that money.”
Norris said legislators have brought forward other ideas for funding, like possibly implementing fees on electric cars.
WREG took the idea of a gas-tax increase to folks around town who gave varied responses.
“In terms of like roadways, you know, stuff doesn’t build itself,” Memphis resident Aaron Harrington said.
Memphis resident Monica Austin said she didn’t like the idea of an increased tax.
“It’s too high already,” she said.
Norris said any major changes in transportation funding would be a ways away, likely after Haslam has finished his term.
“All these things, no pun intended, they’re way down the road,” Norris said.
Haslam made a stop on his tour last week in Memphis.
