Patrick: Modest Gas Tax Increase Possible

Gov. Deval Patrick says a hike in the gas tax could be part of the solution as lawmakers consider ways to trim his plan to raise nearly $2 billion in revenue next fiscal year.

Supporters of a 15-cent gas tax hike say it would raise enough money so the state could stop borrowing to pay transportation agency workers, and shore up the MBTA's finances.

But Patrick says that's not enough — and it's not fair.

"You're asking everybody outside of Boston who drives a car to contribute to a Boston-centric solution," Patrick said. "And I don’t think that's fair, and I don't think most of the members think it's fair. Nor do I think it’s a solution to how do we get growth commonwealth-wide."

But Patrick says he might support a modest gas tax hike as part of his overall state spending plan.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo says the governor's budget must be scaled back.