Rantz: Washington Democrats raise your gas taxes today, as prices surge ahead of 4th of July weekend

Thanks to Washington Democrats, drivers will see an increase in the state’s gasoline tax by 6 cents per gallon, effective Tuesday, July 1, 2025. This will bring the total state tax on gasoline to 55.4 cents per gallon. The increase is part of a broader legislative effort to fund transportation projects across the state.

Washington consistently ranks among the states with the highest gasoline prices and taxes in the nation, often placing third behind California and Hawaii. Heading into the 4th of July, prices have soared in Washington, though not nationwide.

While national gasoline prices have seen a decline, the average cost for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Washington remains significantly higher than the national average. As of June 30, 2025, the average price in Washington was approximately $4.43 per gallon, compared to the national average of about $3.19. A year prior, the average price in Washington was around $4.32 per gallon.

This didn’t need to happen.

Here’s why Washington drivers will pay higher gas taxes on Tuesday

The 6-cent increase comes courtesy of the Washington Democrats’ transportation budget. Some Republicans supported it after Democrats refused to make necessary cuts elsewhere, which made it impossible for the state to complete necessary state highway projects without the new revenue. It’s expected to bring in $1.4 billion from Washington drivers already struggling.

The funding isn’t going to new projects. Democrats will rely on a pay-by-mile scheme to fund those. Instead, the new tax dollars will go towards megaprojects that are already overdue and overbudget.

And a year from now? Washington drivers will see an automatic 2% increase in gas taxes each year, which provides lawmakers political cover since it won’t be tied to any vote in an election year.

Democrats could run a more efficient state government, but flatly refuse to stop overspending. They’ve seemingly been given carte blanche by Democrat voters who complain about cost-of-living, while endlessly electing the same politicians who are responsible for the high prices to live in Washington.

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