RI lawmaker wants to cut gas tax by a nickel

Rhode Island lawmaker wants to cut gas tax by 5 cents to 28 cents

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A Rhode Island state lawmaker says the state's 33-cents-per-gallon gas tax is too high and wants to cut it by 5 cents.

Sen. Walter Felag announced legislation Friday that would reduce the rate to 28 cents per gallon. Felag says the cut would benefit gas station owners close to the Massachusetts border who now lose business to that state, where the gas tax is 23 cents per gallon.

The Warren Democrat says he knows his proposal would reduce revenue, but says additional revenue at gas stations close to the state line would help offset the loss.

The bill is pending in the Senate Finance Committee. No vote has been scheduled.