As millions of people will travel during the upcoming holiday weekend, Ohioans will pay more at the pump because of a state-wide gas tax increase.
Starting Monday, drivers will pay an additional 10.5 cents per gallon and 19 cents extra for a gallon of diesel fuel after state lawmakers passed the transportation budget in April.
That means Ohioans now pay a total state tax rate of 38.5 cents per gallon on gas and 47 cents a gallon on diesel fuel.
The increases, contained in the state transportation budget, mean more than $850 million more per year for road and bridge projects. The final deal also sends 45 percent of the revenue from the tax increase to local governments, up from the 40 percent they get on the current gas tax
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine initially sought an increase of 18 cents a gallon for gas, and urged lawmakers not to reduce it. He called his proposal a "minimalist approach" that was necessary to fix the most serious problems as soon as possible.
"This was a job that no one relished," DeWine said. "This was something that, frankly, had to be done if this state is going to move forward."
At Rocky’s Drive Thru in Barberton, some drivers lamented the gas tax increase.
"It’s just bad. You try to drive somewhere, try to go on a vacation somewhere, you are going to be paying 10 percent more,” said Michael Derth. “It’s just another way the government is ripping us off.”
Meanwhile, other drivers say it doesn’t bother them.
“It’s been higher so it’s not that bad,” said Freddie Mills. “Nothing we haven’t experienced before.”
“I need to do it. So, I don’t have any other choice,” said Theresa Walker. “I don’t really like it, but can’t help that.”
Shaun Jaber, the owner of Rocky’s Drive Thru, says the increase could affect his business because people could opt to spend less inside of his store.
“You’re going to cut back on what you don’t need to get by in life, but you are going to need gas to get back and forth to work,” said Jaber.
Jaber also says the gas tax increase could be worth it if it means fixing the roads.
“[There’s] potholes all over the place. That’s anywhere you go. It’s not just Barberton, it’s Akron [too],” Jaber said. “We need the money.”