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    • Nebraska Gasoline Tax Rises Save Email Print
    Up three cents per gallon
    Posted: 11:21 AM Jul 1, 2008
     Last Updated: 8:31 PM Jul 1, 2008
     Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
    68 comments
    A | A | A

    In the midst of all the other reasons for rising gasoline prices, Nebraska's gas tax rose another three-cents per gallon on Tuesday.

    That makes the total state fuel tax 26 cents per gallon until the end of the year. Combined with the federal tax, it brings our total gas tax in this state to 45 cents a gallon.

    In Omaha, that gas tax might not create as much money as lawmakers think. Omaha sits close to Iowa and Missouri and both states have lower gas tax rates than Nebraska.

    Most of us wouldn’t bother to bend over and pick up three pennies, but add that three cents to the price of a gallon of gas and you've got a revolution.

    "It’s just gonna cause more people to go over to Council Bluffs and Missouri,” says Steve Bertagni at Ted’s Service. “I mean if you’re on a bordering state, their taxes are lower than over here so there’s more reason if you're over there to buy gas over there."

    At Darrah’s gas station in Council Bluffs, one Nebraska plate after another pulled up to the pump. "I just don’t understand how people are gonna make it with the economy the way it is and then more taxes,” says Nebraska motorist Ginger Waltermire.

    “With the timing the way gas is right now, it's poor timing, the worst part there was no consideration, no discussion, just a done deal,” says Nebraska motorist Joy Scanlan. “I don’t think it was well thought out. That's disappointing so that’s why I'm here in Iowa buying gas."

    A portion of the state gas tax is budgeted to go to the Nebraska Department of Roads, but after rough riding through and around the city, Tom Sage isn’t buying that.

    “I think it’s ridiculous right now with our economy the way it is, we can hardly afford to drive around now. With the storm that’s come through our insurance will go up. Our utilities is gonna go up. Another three cents to fix our roads. Our roads aren’t getting any better. I don’t think and I don’t see how three cents is gonna help it."

    A portion of the state fuel tax is adjusted twice a year so the state Department of Roads receives no more and no less money than the Legislature has budgeted for the department.

    With Nebraskans driving less due to $4 a gallon prices, we weren't driving enough for the state to meet its roads' budget.

    Next year, a new, five percent tax on the wholesale price of fuel will go into effect. That also could lead to higher fuel taxes at the pump.
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    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 5, 2008 at 02:06 PM
    People who are posting on this board (IE Citizen and Charlie) really seem to have more intelligence than our polititians wil ever have. Care to run for office?
    Posted by: G on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:52 AM
    Leave it to Nebraska to kick you when you're down!
    Posted by: Citizen on Jul 4, 2008 at 12:01 AM
    There's no sense to raising gas taxes for road maintenance. If we're buying less gas, that means we're driving less, and the roads aren't receiving as much wear. No, there are only two reasons for raising gas taxes. First, to cover the constant bureaucratic mismanagement. Second, to take the opportunity with the current gas situation. We'll know for sure when prices come down, we're driving more, and the taxes remain.
    Posted by: Brian on Jul 3, 2008 at 06:12 PM
    I'm running for office next time around. My platform...freeze all spending at current levels and no future tax increases on any form or level for 5 years. When asked by different departments what will they do without continued increases...my answer...FIND A WAY LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE! Necessity being the impetus of invention. Who will vote for me?
    Posted by: J on Jul 3, 2008 at 12:31 PM
    Smart man, Charlie! My car also gets about 10% less mileage with ethanol, so doing the math, I figured out a long time ago, when gas was "cheap", that even at 10 cents discount for ethanol didn't pay for the loss in gas mileage. An article in the paper said that the average car only loses 3% w/ ethanol - that's the case for the other car in the house. That car switched to 87 octane when gas hit $3.75. Again, I applaud your savvy.
    Posted by: unhappy on Jul 3, 2008 at 07:09 AM
    O.K lets me see if i get this correctly don't we pay road taxes Wheel Tax) when we regestar our cars every year? Where does all that money go to. Go ahead Omaha raise gas taxes so high that we will give up our cars take busses/taxies then you'll loose money when you have 0 cars on the roads that you think we need.I think it time for a change in Nebraskas goverment throw them all out and get new.
    Posted by: llr on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:40 PM
    THROW THE BUMS OUT! Simple, but unfortunately no one else runs against incumbents, be it the NE unicameral, the US SEnate, or President. YES we need to drill more of our own oil, YES we need to be self-supporting, but the tree-hugging, bead-sucking, sandal-wearing LIBERALS won't LET US. So, we cut back. People wonder why gas sales, retail sales and sales of fireworks are down, and why Starbucks is closing 600 stores...because we are CONSERVING, people, and I never paid $6 for a cup of coffee in my LIFE and certainly won't start NOW. We're doing ok...already buy tobacco at the base so we don't pay NE tax there, WILL be buying gas in C.B. since it's pretty much on our way home for both of us, buy MOST of our groceries on base...I declare a moratorium on buying ANYTHING in Nebraska if you can help it. Send a HUGE message...we won't take it anymore! (we already don't go to our neighborhood bar since we can't SMOKE there...liquor tax GONE.)
    Posted by: where! on Jul 2, 2008 at 03:58 PM
    Where is everyone buying gas for less than $3?
    Posted by: Charlie on Jul 2, 2008 at 03:28 PM
    I am sorry but, I am sick and tired of hearing people complain about the price of gas. Yes, it sucks but, the only thing that we can do is drive slower, not take off like we are racing, spend as little time letting your car idle as possible, and a list of other things. Very little people have made this transition. In fact I was at a car dealership the other day and sat in front of a car that was on and running for approximately 45 min. It was a local Dodge dealership and they are going to be able to afford any amount over $2.99 a gallon for all those people. I have watched my driving habits and have increased my gas mileage from about 21 mpg to about 25 mpg. Oh and I also found out that after running 3 tanks of each that I get 4 miles more to a gallon with Reg (87) gas than with Ethanol (89). I figured with the average price between 87 & 89 is about 3 cents that I spend $.17 for every mile on 87 and $.20 on every mile for 89, so in the end it all works out.
    Posted by: MvW on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:49 AM
    People----have any of you watched the price of gas (w or w/o eth) over the last 2 days. Paid 2.83 Monday night to "beat the tax". Woo Hoo. Today the same store has gas for 2.81. If this is all we can complain about, we have pretty sorry lives.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
    I think people are complaining about the wrong things. Why not let us build more refineries and pump more oil. Relieve the supple and demand on gas. Driving to CB to gas up isn't really saving you any money. Don’t complain about the tax, complain that the US government isn't having the US take care of the US first.
    Posted by: DDB on Jul 2, 2008 at 08:37 AM
    Americans cry and complain but guess who elected the officials that implemented the tax? Hold your represenative accountable! Stop crying and get involved. If you have not voiced your opinion to your representative then why are you shocked by your representative's actions?
    Posted by: John on Jul 2, 2008 at 06:51 AM
    Just think of this when you vote. They need to work with a budget. This is the reason for the tax.
    Posted by: No One on Jul 2, 2008 at 01:08 AM
    Until the majority of people become educated about their elected officials and vote the tax increase loving politians out. It will just get worse. Wait untill the our new democrap president takes the oath. Then watch your paychecks disapear!
    Posted by: B on Jul 2, 2008 at 12:57 AM
    Instead of a Boston tea party, maybe it's time to have a Nebraska politian party. I'll bring the rope if some else wants to bring the cement blocks :)
    Posted by: T on Jul 2, 2008 at 12:01 AM
    I agree that if it will save me 10 to 15 cents that I will drive to c.b to get my gas. This is terrible!! I do not understand why Omaha will not let a casino over here it would help out so much. Has anyone seen how Iowa they are doing good things with the money that comes in from them casinos. I dont understand the same people who want to gripe about things are the ones that do not want the casinos here it would help with alot of things! get a clue people!!
    Posted by: k on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:19 PM
    wait for it..,. wait for it... YES another TAX!! You can count on the "Good Life" Hoping to move to Iowa!
    Posted by: Fred on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:10 PM
    Nebraska, The Good Life. Where else would they raise taxes on gas to build highways we can't aford to drive on.
    Posted by: C on Jul 1, 2008 at 10:51 PM
    Hmmmm lets think about this. According to the NDOR website, Nebraska had a state gas tax of 26cents in 1991. It has varied over the years and in 2008 is at 26cents. Since the tax has been about the same since the early 90s and construction material costs NOWHERE near 1991 levels, that kind of makes a problem. It is only the beginning of tax increases to pay the TRUE cost of roads. Not just in Nebraska, but soon in Iowa, other states, and the federal gas tax rate.
    Posted by: Tim on Jul 1, 2008 at 09:43 PM
    Yeah, the new tax is a pain. But nobody is forcing you to drive anywhere. God forbid you might have to get a car that isn't quite as flashy but gets better gas mileage. And, of course, it would be beneath all of us to take the bus anywhere or simply walk whenever feasible. Folks, don't count on the government to make your life easier. Ain't never going to happen. You have to do that yourself.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 08:41 PM
    I guess I can add the gas tax with the freezer full of meat that I had to throw away this weekend. I work downtown so it will not cost me much to cross the bridge.
    Posted by: Tony on Jul 1, 2008 at 08:15 PM
    All these taxes and I can't even get storm debris pick up! I can't wait for the next election! If you in office now; you can count MY vote is going for anyone else that is NOT an incumbent!
    Posted by: J on Jul 1, 2008 at 06:07 PM
    And yet, I still don't see any shortage of Suburbans, Expeditions, Tundras, Hummers and other gas hogs on the road. People are still driving fast and roaring off like it's the Indy 500 when the light changes. 3 cents per gallon and you're in an uproar? And those of you driving to CB? Stop and figure how much gas you're using to get there and back - is it 60 cents or more (20 gal x .03)? Like DB said, no one would have noticed, the way they raise gas prices daily.
    Posted by: To Davey D on Jul 1, 2008 at 05:53 PM
    People like you keep saying that same thing. You started doing it when gas hit $2 a gallon, You could keep making that argument infinitely. It's rather lame. Every little bit is hurting more and more people all of the time.
    Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 1, 2008 at 05:36 PM
    I filled up today in council bluffs, only one person was NOT from Nebraska. Guess where the tax money is going! Real smart guys! Add a tax on already strapped people, but there is a ballpark to pay for.
    Posted by: Renee on Jul 1, 2008 at 05:34 PM
    I think the new tax is CRAZY!! We have too many retired individuals that can not make it on their retirement and you are adding yet ANOTHER TAX! For what? NOTHING! Aren't there other ways to get the $$. We have high wheel taxes, for what? The roads in Nebraska are still a MESS! We pay all this $$ for license plates, for what? Nebraska we have to get it together. I don't think that our city officials realize ALL the damage they are causing.
    Posted by: Bob on Jul 1, 2008 at 05:03 PM
    This is all the more reason why I go to Iowa to pay 7 to 20 cents LESS for a gallon of gas. Keep raising the price Nebraska, pretty soon more and more of us will be going to another state for our fuel.
    Posted by: DB on Jul 1, 2008 at 04:00 PM
    The way they gas prices spike up to new records every single day, they could have raised the tax and not told anybody and not a single one of us would have noticed.
    Posted by: c on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:52 PM
    TOTAL JOKE!
    Posted by: T on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:42 PM
    It's not even shocking anymore, we are absolutely taxed to death on everything, because our political officials from the local and state level are completely incompetent.
    Posted by: lj on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:34 PM
    and right along with this increase is Cox Cable going up and also OPPD increase. WOW.
    Posted by: citizen on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:17 PM
    if this is all for the roads department, can we PLEASE hurry up on highway 75? Nothing like traffic merging on top of you with concrete barriers all over and those rumble strips in your lane. I love Nebraska.
    Posted by: Dan the man on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:12 PM
    Well come drive on hwy 75 south of the platte river, and have fun putting your life in danger. It a true fact that the roads in and around Omaha are more important then hwy 75 is. We are in a phoney road district with people who don't care for our lifes and safty. Yep raise the tax so we can build more roads in Douglas and Sarpy county and to hell with the rest of us as we are low life scum acording to the Nebr. dept of roads. We have been lied to for many years that we are next and they back tract and stab us in the back every year same old story. But any road in these two countys come first.I would like for channel 6 to do a report on this road and the lies we are feed every year.
    Posted by: Bubba Jones on Jul 1, 2008 at 03:00 PM
    until the end of the year? Is that like the temporary wheel tax?
    Posted by: GoodbyeNebraska on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:58 PM
    One of the main reasons I am finally moving out! Can not stand these taxes any more and I am tired of them going to Fahey's pet projects...50 million for a foot bridge to nowhere? More money in his pocket for the next great thing. Wonder what that will be. Only two more weeks and we are gone!!!!!!
    Posted by: K on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:50 PM
    Hey everybody we need to start flooding our State Senators mail and remind then that we put them in office to help us not work against us. They need to tell legislature that rising fuel cost is hurting us not helping us. So like I said we need to flood our Senators emails and regular mail and let them know how we feel.
    Posted by: laura on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:41 PM
    Well, no sense in getting gas tonight after work. I'll wait until after the 4th of July...or maybe I'll gas up in Council Bluffs next week after the holiday. Not running on fumes, by any means. Just thought I'd beat the holiday gouging...guess NOT.
    Posted by: Cathy on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:37 PM
    I don't know why Iowa is laughing - they just raised their gas tax 3 cents.
    Posted by: Taxmemore on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:35 PM
    ...and the King proclaimed "Have the people pay me more taxes, after all this is America,the Subjects are free to make more money"
    Posted by: cece on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:24 PM
    I cannot find the words to express how insane this is. Is our state goverenment living under a rock? Do they not see the people in their commmunities struggling? Look at the bigger picture boys--there has to be a better way! If this were a business, you would be forced to 'look outside the box' and find creative ways to make things happen without always taking away from your staff.
    Posted by: Can' believe it on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:22 PM
    Jon - your funny! As for the state spending money in the right places - Highway 275 was just converted to a 4-lane highway and now on the outside of Hooper. The old highway for some reason had to be ground off and then resurfaced. Not sure why the state had to spend that money but to me - what a waste of $$$.
    Posted by: The Truth on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:18 PM
    To the poster below who asked about the Republican Congress, I feel the need to point out that Nebraska has a Unicameral and the representatives do not have party affiliations. It is a non partisan entity.
    Posted by: Carol on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:15 PM
    So what else is new. The tax goes up 3 cents and the pump goes up 10 that is what I can't figure out.
    Posted by: D on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:12 PM
    I fill up in Iowa since it is close by. It is going to look like an even better deal from now on.
    Posted by: Joe on Jul 1, 2008 at 02:02 PM
    Time for more people to look into riding motorcycles to work for cheap economical transportation and getting 57 MPG to do it. Try that in an SUV.
    Posted by: Davey D on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:43 PM
    A 15 gallon tank. Will cost me an extra 45 cents. I live and Omaha and drive to Lincoln for my job. I do not think that 45 cents is going to kill me. There sure are alot of people that complain about everything. If it helps out with road maint. than this is a good tax.
    Posted by: M on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:34 PM
    I know we have known about this for a while now, but, with recent events I'm guessing I'm not the only one who let the thought of more (and more and more and more) taxes slip to the back of the mind. At what point are we going to call to task theses individuals who have grossly mistaken their position as one of leadership. They work for us, remember? They are elected to do things FOR us, not TO us. I, for one, can't wait for election time, and I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking of Fahey, "shoulda gotten rid of 'em"
    Posted by: me on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:22 PM
    Not that I agree with it, but this is what we get when we are one of two cities supporting an entire state. I think they ought to put in toll booths between IA and NE, so NE can get some $$$ from all of those Iowegians who drive over here every day. Nebraskans who drive to Iowa every day would pay a toll that would go to Iowa.
    Posted by: citizen on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:21 PM
    So, do any of the "representatives" represent us or just those who pad their pockets???
    Posted by: ross on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:11 PM
    We live close to CB, so it will "Pay To Cross The Bridge". If we can save 10 to 15 cents per gallon, it is worth the trip.
    Posted by: Gunnar on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:05 PM
    A sign of things to come on the federal level after Obama and the democrats get power. Tax, tax, tax. This is their only answer to everything.
    Posted by: Patriot on Jul 1, 2008 at 01:03 PM
    I grew up in Nebraska and I am so glad I got out of there! Once Tom O. lost the Gov, I knew the Little General would have to payback all the mobsters running the state! Have to pay for all the Entitlements, right DAVE! Wake up Huskers, which tax hike is next?
    Posted by: w on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:58 PM
    I wonder why states don't just have a telethon to help raise money. At least then you would know where the money is going and fell as if you contribute instead of feel like being robbed. I am willing to help with the roads I drive on but how do the states around us do things with cheaper taxes.
    Posted by: Michelle on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:52 PM
    Ahhh...Nebraska "the good life"
    Posted by: Proud to be a Republican? on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:51 PM
    This is terribly outrageous. Nebraska is such a red state that no blue candidate –who may talk openly about raising taxes and be ridiculed- can find a spot on any elections ticket and yet it’s one of the heaviest taxed states in the Union (the 5th?). We –as voting citizens- should end the blasphemy of fake Republicanism and make our state more competitive in terms of living costs and decrease the percentage of our income that gets in the state coffers. How can the Republicans reconcile the taxation rates in Nebraska (from sales to property taxes and from gas and to income taxes, nothing escapes the elected taxation authorities, who are ALL controlled by ‘deep-core’ Republicans) with their beliefs in less governments and more individual choices? How can we have more individual choices when more of our money ends up in public hands where it completely escapes our control?
    Posted by: Brandon on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:42 PM
    The funny thing is, I was watching the legislature when they were debating about this tax, and saying that this would benefit future road construction projects. I find it very interesting that our unicameral wants to increase our tax to funds road projects that very few people will drive on.
    Posted by: cm on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:39 PM
    The last sentence of this article is what I'm keying on..."...could lead..." Who are you kidding?!?! It should read: "...will lead..."
    Posted by: Deano on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:34 PM
    Nebraska roads? I will buy my gas in Council Bluffs.
    Posted by: A on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:28 PM
    And this is why we are moving out of this hole for a state. We already give our money to Iowa, even when it comes to getting gas.
    Posted by: Laura on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:22 PM
    Definitely shows how our state cares for its residents and how many are already struggling to make it. Gosh, if you need anything else, just send us the bill ok. But by all means, make sure we don't get any of those bad bad casinos here to help foot the bill.
    Posted by: RM on Jul 1, 2008 at 12:20 PM
    It's Netakus not Nebraska
    Posted by: ricochet000 on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:58 AM
    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Nebraska is stupid!!!
    Posted by: Unknown on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:53 AM
    Totally ridiculous!! Nebraska is one of the highest taxed states and for what??
    Posted by: Jon on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:51 AM
    Somehow this is Faheys fault. Don't we have a Republican controlled congress? I thought they were against taxes.
    Posted by: A Nebraska overtaxed citizen on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:48 AM
    Here's our great elected officials chasing away any chance of tourism money coming to our state.
    Posted by: Tonya on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:40 AM
    Are you flippin kidding me?!? Welcome to Nebraska, the Tax-You-To-Death State! Jesus. Nothing like kicking someone when they're down!
    Posted by: JJ on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:39 AM
    WITH ALL THIS MONEY WE SHOULD HAVE THE BEST ROADS IN THE COUNTRY,AS IS WE ARE SOME OF THE WORSE. IS ALL THIS MONEY BEEING APROPRIATED PROPERLY? I HAVE MY DOUBTS.
    Posted by: omahahan on Jul 1, 2008 at 11:38 AM
    hmmm another added tax....lovely nebraska.
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