Highway Bill Defeated in Senate Committee (Audio)

Air Date:02/02/2010

By Jenifer Jones

A bill aimed at generating funding for roads in South Dakota has died in the Senate Transportation Committee. Senate Bill one raises the gas tax, excise tax, and license fees.

Supporters of Senate Bill one say highway needs in South Dakota are underfunded, and since it becomes more expensive to repair roads as they deteriorate, proponents say the smart thing is to fund repairs now. Opponents say a recession is not the time to be raising taxes, and the bill would hurt businesses. Other opponents say money generated by the bill doesn't go to the right places. Senator Mike Vehle is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. He says the bill doesn't have enough support to pass the full Senate.

"You know last year it was no and it was a solid no," Vehle says. "This year I look at them, and they shuffle their feet more and they look at me and say I know we've got to do something, but this just isn't the year."

The committee voted to move the bill to the 41st day of the legislative session, which means it is dead unless the committee votes to bring the bill back.

Member Stations can download the audio file here.

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