Increase in the SD Gas Tax?

Increase in the SD Gas Tax?

It's an expense that every family pays, but how much is always changing.

A plan is now in the works that would increase the price of gasoline in one Siouxland state.

A South Dakota legislative committee is recommending an increase in taxes that would help maintain state and local roads.

One of the taxes that could see a rise- the states gas tax.

The proposal that was passed by a panel yesterday would work in two stages to raise the states road taxes.

The first would raise the gas tax from 22 cents a gallon to 32 cents a gallon by 2010.

Something that is getting mixed reactions from south dakota residents.

"I'm not happy with it, a lot of families won't be able to go where they want to and do the things they want to do and its even going to put a financial hardship for some to get back and forth to work. I'll probably go to, because I work out of state, i'll probably go over and buy it where its cheaper." Says North Sioux City resident Naomi Green.

North Sioux City resident Jim Iwen would have to disagree. "There's a lot of beautiful country out there and if we don't take care of the roads you're not going to get the tourism or anything like that. So I think its well worth it for all South Dakotans to buy their gas here instead of in Iowa or Nebraska."

The second part of the proposal also includes an increase of the excise tax on vehicle sales from three percent to four percent by 2012.

The increased taxes are expected to give the state an extra $75 million to go towards road construction and maintenance.

The proposal still has to be passed by the full legislature before any increases are made.