Washington’s gas tax hike kicks in July 1 to fund transportation plan

Washington state will raise its gas tax by six cents per gallon starting July 1 as part of a $3.2 billion, six-year transportation package to cover a projected $1 billion shortfall; the diesel tax also increases by three cents to 58.4 cents. The new rate brings the state tax to 55.4 cents per gallon, ranking third-highest in the nation behind California and Pennsylvania. Public discussion around the measure included commentary from a KIRO host joking about buying an electric car to cope with higher fuel costs.