2 economists support Iowa fuel tax increase (AP)

JOHNSTON, Iowa ? Two economists say increasing Iowa's fuel tax would help the state in the long run and be relatively painless to consumers.

Speaking Friday on the public television program, "Iowa Press," Iowa State University economist David Swenson argued a 10 cent per gallon increase in the tax would cost the average family about $32 a year.

He says that cost is worth it because of the overall benefit from road improvements financed by the tax increase.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss agrees, saying a poor road system would hurt the ability for Iowa's economy to expand.

Swenson also notes that about half of the fuel tax goes to support local government programs.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/economy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120113/ap_on_bi_ge/us_fuel_tax_iowa

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