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As previously reported, lawmakers have been considering an increase in the state’s gas tax. The gas tax has not been raised since 1989, and Iowa’s roads and bridges have been rated the third worst in the country. A House subcommittee has approved a bill which would raise the gas tax by four cents beginning in May of next year. Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius has said he would like to see an increase in the gas tax, because the cost of road repairs have increased but the funding his department receives has stayed flat. Senator Sandy Greiner disagreed with Thorius at the last legislative briefing, saying she thinks the funding would just go to larger cities in Iowa, and wouldn’t help Washington County. The gas tax increase is expected to bring in an extra $176 million per year.