Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Governor Culver Addresses Iowa Taxpayers Association
Governor: “Now is not the time to raise the gas tax”
DES MOINES – Today, Governor Chet Culver said he would not support any efforts to raise the state’s tax on gasoline during the upcoming legislative session. During a speech to the Iowa Taxpayers Association, the Governor cited higher prices at the pump and a need to engage Iowans on the issue as reasons for his opposition.
“With oil hovering around $100 a barrel, I believe now is not the time to raise the gas tax,” said Governor Culver. “While I am committed to working with the legislature in a bipartisan way to address our infrastructure needs, I am also committed to doing all I can to help Iowans who are feeling the squeeze at the pump.”
Culver continued: “Before an increase in the gas tax is considered, I have said all along I believe a clear and compelling case should be laid out to the voters, and candidates should run on the issue next November. Increasing the gas tax was not a part of my platform last November, or in the Legislators’ platform. In fact, the idea never came up in my campaign for Governor, and I do not support surprising our constituents with a gas tax increase without giving them a chance to be part of the discussion first.”
During his remarks, the Governor stated his five fiscal priorities for the upcoming legislative session, which
include:
- Keep Iowa’s fiscal house in order;
- Uphold our priorities and honor our commitments;
- Limit new spending and continue to live within our means;
- Take creative steps to find new revenue;
- Hold the line on taxes, and cut taxes whenever possible.
In addition, Governor Culver pointed to legislative accomplishments made during the 2007 General Assembly, such as increasing the state reserves, passing a balanced budget and raising more than $26 million through the Iowa Tax Amnesty program.