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Where will money for roads come from if not gas tax?

Telling constituents it is going to cost them $2-$4 more every time they fill their gasoline tanks is not a prospect likely to appeal to many Ohio legislators. So it is no wonder there has been a distinct lack of enthusiasm for Gov. Mike DeWine’s suggestion that the state increase its tax on gasoline and diesel fuel by 18 cents per gallon.

DeWine thinks the money is needed to repair Ohio roads both now and in the future. On the need for better repair and routine maintenance, few Buckeye State residents would disagree with him. Certainly SOMETHING must change if our roads are to get the attention they need.

Still, as state Senate President Larry Obnof, R-Medina, notes, that is a lot of money. Good for Obnof and other lawmakers leery of shoving their hands deeper into Ohioans’ wallets.

What, though, are their ideas for providing more funding for desperately needed road work? It does no good to dismiss an idea for solving a problem without having another idea to take its place. The problem must be solved.

More money is needed for the state Department of Transportation to do its job adequately. Instead of dismissing DeWine’s plan out of hand, legislators should engage in that old political exercise — compromise.

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