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Tax Increase Bill Will Be Heard Again

April 10, 2002
By: Justin Herndon
State Capital Bureau

A Senate Republican pushed for an historic tax increase.

Justin Herndon has more.

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Rural Senator Morris Westfall introduced a transportation bill to ask voters for approval of a sales and gasoline tax increase.

Despite past opposition to tax increases, most Senate Republicans, including Floor Leader Bill Kenney, say they support the legislation.

Actuality: KENNEYJ1.wav
RunTime: 23
OutCue: make that decision
Contents: We had three hours of good debate. I've voted against increasing taxes before but I see a dire need for improvements now and I'll probably vote for this one because it leaves it up to the voters.

The Senate is not expected to continue debate on this bill until at least next week.

Some Senate Republicans fought one of their own over a tax increase.

Justin Herndon has the story.

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Senator Morris Westfall is pushing for a tax increase this session but some lawmakers in his own party are against it.

Even Floor Leader Bill Kenney, who supports the bill, has his doubts.

Actuality: KENNEYJ2.wav
RunTime: 10
OutCue: have to look at
Contents: I have very big reservations about this piece of legislation and it has a long way to go before it becomes law but it is an issue we have to look at.

Republican Senator David Klarich says the tax increase will not be a quick solution to transportation woes.

No vote was taken yet but Westfall says he remains "cautiously optimistic."

Major legislation regarding a tax increase was stalled in the Senate.

Justin Herndon has the story.

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Despite what Republican Senator Morris Westfall calls sufficient support to pass a tax increase, time is his bill's biggest opponent.

Floor Leader Bill Kenney says more important issues to deal with right now, but that this tax bill will be heard again.

Actuality: KENNEYJ3.wav
RunTime: 20
OutCue: down the line
Contents: My first goal is the budget and appropriations is coming but there is still time. Budget first, education and transportation are right up there and Stadium is on down the line.

Kenney says the legislation could come up again sometime next week.