Free Republic

The incoming chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee says raising the federal fuel taxes is among the options under consideration to replenish the dwindling Highway Trust Fund. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says all options must be looked at to fill an enormous shortfall when the existing highway legislation expires in May. …

<p>LOS ANGELES (AP) - A draft spending plan by Senate Republicans would balance the state budget without tax increases by making deep cuts to environmental protections, social services and other major programs, according to a published report.</p> <p>The proposal calls for eliminating the California Coastal Commission, slicing reimbursements for prescription drugs for the poor and curbing spending on the state's community college and university systems, the Los Angeles Times reported in Wednesday's editions.</p>