COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's House speaker has indicated he's open to the idea of more revenue for road and bridge maintenance although he hasn't committed to any changes the House might make in the governor's proposal for increasing Ohio's gas tax to raise that revenue.
Republican Speaker Larry Householder says a safe, well-maintained transportation system is essential and there's no question it has a revenue issue.
Householder's opinion differs from Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof's view. The Republican Senate leader has expressed doubt that the road maintenance and construction system is in trouble and skepticism about the size of Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's proposed gas-tax increase of 18 cents a gallon.
MORE: Facing looming road budget crisis, DeWine transportation commission recommends raising Ohio gas tax
DeWine's transportation budget calls for the proposed increase to begin July 1, with annual adjustments for inflation.
The budget requires legislative approval.
