Nebraska State Senator Jim Smith of Papillion is sponsoring a bill to raise the state gas tax 6 cents a gallon. The intent is for the money to go to funding infrastructure repair and upkeep. Nebraska Farm Bureau Vice President of Government Relations Jay Rempe says his group backs the measure.

Rempe says if the gas tax increase is approved the funding will help the state as well as counties and townships with their roads and bridges.

Rempe calls the debate over the measure an economic development issue and says more ag commodities lately are being transported by trucks.

Rempe says while county governments and highway contractors will likely support the bill, opposition is expected from the petroleum marketers and anti tax groups.