Media Release on the Gas Tax

The whippings will continue until moral improves – Nebraska Legislature, Out of touch with citizens

Omaha- Kurt Geschwender, candidate for legislature in District 13 is calling on members of Nebraska's Unicameral to come back to reality.

On Monday, April 7th the legislature voted to override Governor Dave Heineman’s veto of the 1.2 cents per gallon gas tax, increasing Nebraska’s projected gas tax to 26.7 cents per gallon. The legislature is still considering LB 846 which would raise the tax an additional 4.5 cents per gallon, making Nebraska one of the highest taxed states in the country for fuel.

"It is just flat wrong. Nebraskans are hurting and with gas prices headed toward the $4.00 a gallon mark, increasing the gas tax is moving in the wrong direction," commented Geschwender.

"Gas prices have a far reaching affect. As gas prices increase, it costs more to produce the goods and services we need to live. The families I have talked with are worried about putting groceries on the table, not building a new two lane highway anywhere in the state."

"We need government to be more responsible. Yes, we need good roads and development projects but in these tough economic times we should look at setting aside non-priority projects until the times are better. If anything, we should look at lowering the gas tax to increase demand and let the market drive up revenue," added Geschwender.

Senator Lowen Kruse, who currently represents District 13 voted for the tax and to override Governor Heinemans’s veto.