As people drive fewer miles in more efficient cars, revenue from the state's gasoline tax is declining. That means less money for Vermont's transportation budget, as well as less federal matching money. In order to bolster those funds, the House recently passed a transportation bill that increases the gas tax in Vermont by 7 cents over the next two years. But opponents say the gas tax isn't good for drivers or for gasoline retailers, especially along the New Hampshire border.
We hear both sides from Representative Pat Brennan, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, and Joe Choquette, a lobbyist representing the Vermont Petroleum Association.
Also in the program, Dr. Elliott Fisher. He has long been a leading voice in the study of health care policy and how it affects patient outcomes. Now he's been named as director of the Dartmouth Institute to continue that work.
