Democrat Jeff Morris says the state has been losing gas tax money as cars are becoming more fuel efficient.
He says gas taxes help pay for the roads that get people to work and allow agricultural products in Eastern Washington to get to ports in Western Washington so they can be sold.
The transportation proposal unveiled yesterday would raise the gas tax by 2 cents each year for five years.
It would also add a new $25 sales fee on bicycles over $500.
The proposal requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House and Senate to become law.
Opponents of the legislation say it would hit motor-vehicle owners too hard.
House Transportation Committee Chair Judy Clibborn says this is only a first draft and she expects the package to undergo changes before it goes up for a final vote.
