Arkansas Truckers Will Try Again to Raise State’s Diesel Tax

Arkansas truckers will try again next year to persuade the legislature there to pass a bill to raise the state’s 22.8-cent diesel tax by 5 cents to pay for improved roads and bridges.

Except for a fiscal session this year to deal with budget matters, Arkansas’ legislators hold lawmaking sessions only every other year.

“We’re simply announcing again our commitment to raise additional money from within our industry for infrastructure,” said Lane Kidd, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association.

Truckers tried last year to get a measure on the ballot to raise the diesel tax but withdrew their support when public opinion polls showed that voters would not support a tax raise even when it was just for diesel, not gasoline.