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Md. Gas Tax Set To Go Up Less Than Half A Penny

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Round two in the state gas tax hike. Starting Tuesday, the second phase of the gas tax goes into effect.

Marcus Washington has more on what we're all going to be paying for.

The increase is small--we're talking about less than half a penny increase. But still, many drivers say that small amount adds up.

An increase of any kind is rarely exciting for the consumer.

"You take a penny from a million people in Baltimore, it's still a penny and it amounts to a lot of money," said Tavon Marable.

Starting Tuesday, the second of five planned gas tax hikes approved by Maryland legislators will take effect. It's an increase most drivers are not happy about.

"It's difficult because not only does gas go up, but when gas goes up, everything else goes up," said Linda Abbott.

But then you have people like Patricia Lehr from Pennsylvania who travel here often.

"At least three days a week. My husband commutes five days a week to Towson, so he always gets gas in Towson," Lehr said.

She says she doesn't mind paying the tax because that money goes toward transportation projects.

"No one likes to pay more taxes. No one likes to pay more prices at the pump. But they are unfortunately a necessary evil if we want our roads and bridges to be safe," said Ragina Cooper-Averella, AAA Mid-Atlantic.

When it comes to the gas tax hike, people filling up at the pump in Maryland are going to have to get used to it. This increase is going to stick around for at least the next three years.

AAA says this summer drivers will see some of the highest gas prices since 2008, when prices hit $4.10 a gallon on average.

"We rely on gas to get back and forth from work so we can provide for our families," Marable said.

While many will argue the tax is needed, some are just hoping for relief.

"I don't think taxes are ever going to stop going up," Abbott said.

Revenue from the gas tax is set to go toward transportation projects. In November, voters will see a referendum on the ballot that will not allow lawmakers to use that money for anything other than transportation related projects.

The first increase with this particular gas hike happened in July of last year with a three and a half cent gas increase.

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