Gas Tax Trial Balloon still floating

Tom Fahey reports in the Union Leader that Governor John Lynch is giving the idea of raising New Hampshire's gas tax a lukewarm reception:

Lawmakers from both parties say the state needs to increase its gasoline tax to keep highways maintained, but Gov. John Lynch is not convinced of that yet.

Lynch said this week he hasn't changed his stance against a gas tax hike, but he left room to be persuaded it is the right move.

He said the state needed to figure out how much highway work needed to be done and how much it would cost before talking about raising revenue. He noted a federal economic stimulus package was expected to send money for highway and bridge construction to all states.

"That may be part of the overall financing package going forward," Lynch said.