Va. Senate Votes to Increase Taxes on Fuel, After Rejecting Gov.’s Plan
The Virginia Senate on Wednesday passed a transportation funding bill that would raise the state’s 17.5-cent tax on gasoline and diesel fuel by a nickel, to 22.5 cents a gallon, after last week rejecting Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal to do away with the gasoline tax entirely.
Wyoming Senate Votes to Add a Dime to State’s 14-Cent Diesel Tax
The Wyoming Senate on Thursday approved and sent to the governor a bill that would add a dime to the state’s 14-cent-per-gallon diesel and gasoline tax.
Congressman Wants Overseas Profits Invested In U.S. Infrastructure
Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) said Tuesday that he plans to introduce a bill in the next month to create an infrastructure investment office within the Treasury Department as well as a fund to make loans to states.
Small Business Administration Chief Mills to Step Down
Karen Mills, head of the Small Business Administration, said Monday that she will leave her post, opening another Cabinet slot for President Obama to fill.
Kansas Proposes State DOT to Oversee State Turnpike Authority
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) announced a proposed plan to have the state’s Department of Transportation oversee the operations of the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
Mass. Weighs Tax Options as Part of Transportation Funding Plans
Massachusetts would have to increase its gasoline and diesel tax to 51 cents from 21 cents a gallon in order to erase long-standing transportation deficits and meet annual transit and highway needs, according to a report released Monday by the state’s Department of Transportation.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Rockefeller to Retire in 2014
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the powerful Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, announced Friday that he will not seek reelection in 2014 after serving five terms in the U.S. Senate.
Tax Bill Includes Bonus Depreciation
The tax bill signed by President Obama and passed by Congress to keep the nation from going over a “fiscal cliff” allows fleets to deduct 50% of the cost of new trucks and other equipment in 2013.
Truck Crash Fatalities Rise 1.9%, NHTSA Says
The number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks increased 1.9% in 2011 compared with 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a report released Monday.
Bill Calls for Hair Testing for Drug Use; DOT Warns Marijuana Remains Illegal
A House bill introduced Wednesday would create a pilot program to test truck drivers’ hair strands for evidence of illegal drug use.