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A recent survey finds that Marylanders overwhelmingly oppose increasing the state’s gas tax, even when the money is to be used only for transportation purposes.   

The survey, conducted by renowned firm Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, found that 78% of Marylanders oppose a gas tax increase of 10 cents per gallon to be used for transportation purposes.  A 10 cents increase was considered in the 2011 session of the Maryland General Assembly, but did not pass.   Even when the amount is reduced to 5 cents per gallon, nearly 60% of the state’s citizens remain in opposition.  If some of the money is used for purposes other than transportation project, resistance grows even stronger, with 80% opposing any increase, regardless of the amount.   

“This survey shows that Marylanders everywhere are feeling the pinch at the pump.  Constituents are telling Maryland lawmakers, who will be back in Annapolis October 17 for a Special Session, that the well is dry.  Neither Maryland consumers nor Maryland businesses can afford to pay any more in fuel costs,” said Louis Campion, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association.   

“This survey confirms what we hear from our customers on a daily basis.  Gas prices are too high and now is not the time to raise fuel taxes causing us to pay more,” added Pete Horrigan, president of the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors’ Association.   

The survey, available at www.mmtanet.com/files/fueltaxsurvey2011.pdf was conducted by telephone from September 19 through 27, 2011.  A total of 805 registered Maryland voters who regularly vote and represent a cross section that reflects general election voting patterns in jurisdictions statewide participated.