Lawmakers will be talking about boosting the state's gasoline tax when they kick off the legislative session next week.

A task force is pushing for a .23 cent a gallon increase. This would bring in $700 million per year. Governor John Bel Edwards supports the tax, but several lawmakers have a problem with the steep increase.

Currently, Louisiana residents pay .20 cents a gallon to the state which puts us as one of the lowest taxed states in terms of the gas tax.

Keep in mind, the federal government also charges an .18 cents a gallon.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says "That is what we need to fix what we need to fix, and achieve what we need to achieve."

Wilson says the gas tax has not been increased in Louisiana in 30 years and the existing tax has lost almost 50% of its value.

Which states have the highest taxes on gas? The Tax Foundation keeps track of the numbers.

Pennsylvania has the highest rate of 51.60 cents per gallon  and is followed closely by New York, Hawaii, and California.

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