September 3, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A panel studying taxes in South Carolina
is recommending an increase in the gasoline tax to fund road
repairs.

The State newspaper reported the Tax Realignment Commission
voted unanimously Thursday to recommend that the state's gas tax be
raised a nickel a gallon.

South Carolina's current gasoline tax is 16 cents a gallon and
hasn't changed since 1987. Commission member Kenneth Cosgrove says
he doesn't anyone would disagree that the state's roads are in
pretty bad shape.

The commission will send recommendations to state lawmakers, who
return in January. Some lawmakers say they don't expect the General
Assembly would approve any tax increases in the current economy.

The panel also is recommending lowering the 6 percent state
sales tax to 5 percent, but eliminating the tax exemptions on many
industries.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)