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South Carolina Senate passes gas-tax increase

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina is closer to paying to fix its notoriously bad roads by charging drivers more at the gas pump.

Residents said the roads need to be repaired, but they don't like the idea of the tax increase on what has been one of the lowest gas prices per gallon in the country.

A 12-cent-per-gallon tax increase would, in theory, create more than a half-billion dollars a year to improve places like Barrett Road.

The Senate passed the measure.

"These roads in South Carolina are really bad,” driver Joyce Tiley said. “They really need to do something to these roads.

Chipped, crumbling roads upset her, but the thought of a gas tax increase makes her even more upset.

"All us taxpayers having to pay these taxes, that's uncalled for," Tiley said.

Some were angry to hear that the state Senate had approved the gas tax hike.

"It’s already too high,” driver Robin Collier said. “They need to come down on it."

If passed, it would be the first gas tax hike in South Carolina in 30 years.

Some North Carolina drivers who travel miles to save as much as 25 cents a gallon said they will buy gas nearer their homes.

"It wouldn't be worth the trip down," Gene Mostellar said.

The governor said he would veto a gas tax increase and recommend that lawmakers borrow the money to repair the roads.

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