The Senate gave first round approval to increasing the fuel tax

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Intro:	The Senate gave round first approval to increasing the fuel tax on both regular and diesel fuel.
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Wrap: The tax on fuel will increase by one and a half cents while the tax on diesel fuel will increase by three and a half cents.

Senator Jason Holsman says he supports the compromise that came after hours of debate.

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Description: We owe it to our citizens to think about the safety of their transportation needs, and I understand that this is not a perfect way to fund those needs, but it is a way to fund those needs.

Senator Ed Emery says he believes that all Missourians should be able to vote on the issue.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Krista Gmelich.

Intro:	The Senate came to a compromise that would increase the fuel tax for Missouri drivers.
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Wrap: The tax on regular fuel would increase by one and a half cents per gallon if the bill is passed.

The tax for diesel fuel would increase by three and a half cents.

Senator Ed Emery says he isn't satisfied with the compromise.

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Description: We could have sent it to the vote of the people saying I promise not to raise your taxes, but if you want to raise your taxes in the face of the deteriorating roads and bridges then you're welcome to do that. But we chose not to do that.

Senator Jason Holsman says they must compromise so that Missourians are able to travel safely.

The Senate still needs to vote on the final passage of the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Krista Gmelich.

Intro:	The Senate voted to increase taxes on both regular and diesel fuel.
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Wrap: The tax on regular fuel would increase by one and a half cents per gallon.

The tax on diesel fuel would increase by three and a half cents.

Senator Doug Libla sponsored the original bill.

He says it is crucial that something is done about deteriorating roads and bridges.

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Description: It's just really a huge issue. What about the 911 call that you might get when the bridge is down? What about the fire truck when the bridge is down? People didn't send us up here not to make decisions. They sent us up here to make prudent decisions.

Senator Ed Emery says Missourians should be able to vote on whether or not to increase the fuel tax.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Krista Gmelich.