Wisconsin Gov. Proposes Taxing Big Oil

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2007/feb/12/021205309.html

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Jim Doyle proposes taxing big oil companies more than $270 million over the next two years to help pay for the state's transportation needs.

Doyle said the assessment will equate to $1.50 per barrel of oil sold in the state, and the companies would be prohibited from passing the tax on to customers at the pump. Violations carry a criminal penalty of up to six months in prison.

The plan is a way to get oil companies to contribute to the rising costs of the state's infrastructure, Doyle said in an interview with The Associated Press.

"This is not the total solution but this is a significant part of it," said the governor, a Democrat. The proposal will be a part of Doyle's two-year budget he delivers to the Legislature on Tuesday.

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