Memphis Gas Tax Hike Passes Budget Committee

(Memphis) A proposal to hike the tax on gasoline in the city of Memphis has passed the Memphis City Council Budget Committee.

Edmund Ford Jr. proposed adding a penny per gallon tax.

Councilman Lee Harris thinks that’s a great idea because it will improve services like rapid transportation and express services at MATA, “I’m all in favor of cuts but the city has to be out there in front supporting things that will make a difference in the lives of real Memphians.” 

The State of Tennessee already charges 21.4 cents per gallon of gas.

The Federal Gas Tax is 18.4 cents per gallon.

Use THIS interactive map to see more about gas taxes.

Ford estimates the tax could raise $3 to $6 million which would be handed over to the Memphis Area Transit Authority. MATA provides public transportation in Memphis some areas of Shelby County.

Councilman Jim Strickland voted against the tax, “It affects poor people so much harder because they pay the same percent as the richest person in Memphis.”

Councilwoman Janice Fullilove doesn’t think the voters will approve a gas tax, “My constituents already they were talking on Facebook that no they were not going to vote on an increase in gas.”

The full council will hear the proposal July 3. If the council passes the proposal, voters would then decide on the new tax.