Legislation has been introduced in the House to increase the federal gas tax by 10 cents per gallon. The increase would help pay for federal transportation. Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says using the fuel tax to pay for infrastructure is supported by the public because they can see the direct benefits.

Congressman Tom Rice’s legislation calls for an offset from the gas tax increase of a $ 133 income tax credit that would be offered to drivers to minimize the impact of higher prices at the pump. Steenhoek says that’s a good and workable way to move the bill to address infrastructure needs.

Steenhoek says lawmakers backs are up against the wall in that the transportation bill needs to be reauthorized by the end of the month. He says the offset in the bill should help its chances of being approved.

Steenhoek says Congress needs to pass a long term funding bill and not just do a short term fix at the end of the month.