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Vermont Legislature Approves Gas Tax Increase

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Vermonters could be paying more for gasoline as early as next week.

The House gave final approval Wednesday to a compromise transportation bill that will raise gas and diesel taxes on May 1.

Vermont Public Radio reports the legislation raises gas taxes by 5.9 cents in May, while diesel taxes will increase by 2 cents in July. The diesel tax is scheduled to go up another penny next year.

Governor Peter Shumlin and legislative leaders say the increased fuel taxes are needed to match $56 million in federal funds targeted for road and bridge repairs.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Pat Brennan says the back and forth about the tax made it "a little more palatable."

But Rep. Brian Savage says working Vermonters will hit hardest by the tax increases.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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