Legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) that’s designed to reduced the burden on property taxpayers and improve road, bridge and rail safety has been approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“We’re now able to shift much more of the burden of paying for local transportation improvements from property taxpayers to the State,” said Oroho. “That’s the direct result of our successful efforts last year that coupled targeted tax cuts with a plan to take the TTF out of bankruptcy. Local officials can now undertake critical road and bridge repair projects without burdening property taxpayers with the full cost.”

Sen. Oroho’s bill, S-2748, exempts fuel used for the operation of school buses from the state’s motor fuels tax.

“It doesn’t make sense for local governments to use the property taxes they collect from residents to pay other taxes to the state, which is why government vehicles like police cars, fire trucks and ambulances are currently exempt from the state gas tax,” added Oroho. “Since school districts also are funded by property taxpayers, school buses should be exempt from the gas tax as well. That’ll free up money that can better be spent in classrooms or lowering property tax bills.”

The legislation, which passed the Senate in March, now heads to the full Assembly for final legislative approval.