Republican Reps. Joe Palmer of Meridian and Paul Shepherd of Riggins are are hardline conservatives and proud of it. But when it comes to upgrading infrastructure, they are willing to put all ideas on the table - including raising the gas tax, if necessary. Palmer, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, says he'd take a tax bill to the floor if that ends up being the Legislature's end game. Shepherd, the committee's vice-chairman, said he'd be willing to go along. Raising the gas tax isn't their first option. Palmer, who would like to raise $100 million to $200 million, wants some of that money to come from the general fund or raising registration fees. From there, he said, a fuel tax is on the table/Chuck Malloy, Idaho Political Weekly (via Lewiston Tribune). More here.

Question: Do you expect the Idaho Legislature to raise state gas taxes this year as part of a fix to repair Idaho roads & bridges?