7/10/08-The House voted 59-39 to kill a bill after a provision was removed that would have increased the state’s fuel tax to 23.5 cents per gallon. The Senate previously approved it.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax, SB6009 initially called for boosting the state’s 17.5 cent-per-gallon tax on motor fuels by a penny each year through 2014.
Included in the bill were a quarter percent sales tax increase and a half-cent increase on the vehicle sales tax. Regional tax increases also would have been used to fund projects in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

7/1/08-Meeting in a special session, the Senate approved a bill that would increase the state’s fuel tax to 23.5 cents per gallon.
The Senate voted 21-16 to advance a bill to the House that would increase the per-gallon tax on diesel and gas by 6 cents during the next six years. The measure is awaiting consideration on the House floor once lawmakers reconvene July 9.
It is expected that the bill will fail in its current form because of a lack of support in the House for a fuel tax increase.
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax, SB6009 calls for boosting the state’s 17.5 cent-per-gallon tax on motor fuels by a penny each year through 2014.
Included in the bill is a quarter percent sales tax increase and a half-cent increase on the vehicle sales tax. Regional tax increases also would be used to fund projects in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.