Wyo. Senate gives first approval to fuel tax hike

A bill that would raise state fuel taxes by a dime a gallon has received preliminary approval in the Wyoming State Senate. The bill would raise the tax from the existing rate of 14 cents a gallon up to 24 cents. The hike would raise about $70 million a year for the state highway system and local governments. The Senate on Tuesday defeated an amendment sponsored by Sen. Larry Hicks, a Republican from Baggs. He proposed hiking the tax on diesel fuel for big trucks while leaving the rate as it is for gasoline. Hicks said increasing the fuel tax across the board would hurt many people who live in rural areas and have to drive long distances for groceries and doctor visits. The bill already has cleared the House.