Survey Shows Broad Support For Tax Hike
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA study out of Ball State University suggests a majority of Indiana residents approve of a gas tax hike to help build and fix the state’s roads. The Indiana General Assembly this year passed a road funding measure that included a 10 cent-per-gallon increase. While Bowen Center Managing Director Charles Taylor said he was expecting majority support, the consistent level across demographics took him off-guard.
According to the study, about 57 percent of respondents said they supported the tax increase, while about 38 percent disapproved. The survey shows the concept was most popular among people ages 18-34, with 65 percent approval, and in southern Indiana, with 63 percent approval. The idea was least popular among those age 55 and older, with 43 percent disapproval.
Supporters of the road funding bill estimate the gas tax hike and increased vehicle registration fees will raise an additional $1.2 billion for infrastructure projects.
The numbers are part of Ball State University’s Hoosier Survey, conducted in partnership with Old National Bank. The full results will be released November 9.
Taylor says support for the gas tax crosses party lines.