It's the DOT's turn in front of JFC.
Republican State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) says her constituents are skeptical that Oil companies can be taxed without it being passed on to motorists at the pump.
"How in the world does the governor think that we are really going to be able to assess the oil companies?"
During a Joint Finance Committee hearing, Darling questions Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi about the so-called Oil Company Assessment Tax, which aims to collect $272 million over the next two years.
"My constituents call it a gas-tax increase, and I just have to be, you know, very up-front about it. I think a lot of people here have had that kind of a reaction and the last thing we want to do is increase the gas tax."
Darling says nobody believes the fee on Big Oil's gross revenues won't be passed along to consumers, saying Busalacchi will find himself in court on this issue.
"So, just tell the governor people aren't buying it."
Busalacchi also talked about the Department's "needs," which he says are far out-pacing the revenues. He said there are reasons to be optimistic, including a drop in traffic deaths.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (MP3 1:04)
