Legislators reach compromise on road funding

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — State lawmakers are on the verge of passing a billion dollar road funding bill.

A compromise was reached in the General Assembly late Wednesday.

It’s a compromise that includes no statewide tax increases and it’s been agreed upon by super majority Republicans in both the Indiana House and the Senate, as well as the governor.

It’s a bill that provides new money for both state and local roads without the hikes in the gas tax and the cigarette tax that were sought by Republicans in the House.

They were opposed by Senate Republicans and the governor. However, the state money runs out after a year and a half.

But this is an election year and many of them felt it was the wrong time for that discussion this year.

“It does not have any tax increases in it, and we feel pretty good about it,” said Sen. President Pro Tem David Long. “There’s long term funding for locals.”

“It’s going to come together pretty well,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma.

When asked about tax increases, he said, “Not at the state level but there’s a commitment to come back next year and take a look.”

Votes on the road funding bill will take place Thursday in both the House and Senate on what is expected to be the last day of the 2016 session.

Easy passage is anticipated.