A state lawmaker is skeptical about a Jim Doyle proposal to tax "big oil." Doyle would impose a tax on oil company profits, amounting to about $1.50 a barrel, in order to raise some $270 million over the next two years for the state's transportation needs. Joint Finance Committee member, state Senator Luther Olson , doubts the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is up to the task. "I don't think you can do it," Olson told Revenue Secretary Roger Ervin. "This is a challenge that in my estimation is insurmountable." Ervin responded to Olson's concerns. "We have a very good operating model at this point. There are some details we are working on." Ervin promised committee members a more thorough explanation before they vote on the proposal. Olson says it will be "almost impossible" for the revenue department to make sure Wisconsin motorists aren't paying for the tax, in the form of higher prices at the gas pump.
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