OHIO—Starting July 1, drivers will be pumping an additional 10.5-cents-per-gallon towards a statewide gas tax.
For diesel drivers, it will be 19 cents.
It’s a far cry from the 18 cents Governor DeWine originally wanted.
But today he admitted, he may have aimed too high.
“We started at zero, and we have come a long way,” said DeWine. “This will provide the money that we need to move this great state forward.”
A committee of lawmakers came to the agreement Tuesday afternoon after weeks of negotiations.
Part of the holdup was the reluctance of Senate President Larry Obhof (R-Medina) to go above six cents.
“I think frankly that politics is the art of compromise, and I think six cents in terms of purchasing power for ODOT is worth more than you realize,” said Obhof.
House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) sees this solution as a benchmark of bipartisanship.
“I’m very proud of the work we all did together, I appreciate both Emilia Sykes and Senator Yuko and their caucuses coming forward,” said Householder.
Also in the bill, $70 million will be allocated for public transit.
Additionally, it contains an amendment eliminating the requirement for a front license plate.
But the biggest headline is what Ohioans will be paying at the pump.
This revenue will be split 55/45, with slightly more going toward state roads - and 45 percent going to local cities and townships.
A committee of state legislators agreed on these numbers Tuesday afternoon — adding a one-time fee of $200 for electric cars, and $150 for hybrids.
The law now heads to Governor DeWine for signature, and will take effect July 1st.