Gas Tax Question Nearing Massachusetts Ballot

Massachusetts voters are one step closer to deciding whether to repeal a new law automatically linking future increases in the state gas tax to the rate of inflation.

Supporters of the proposed ballot question said Thursday that they've delivered about 26,000 signatures to local city and town clerks - more than double the number needed to secure a spot on the November ballot.

The tax was included in a transportation financing package pushed by Democratic leaders in the Massachusetts House and Senate and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick last year.

Under that law the gasoline tax jumped 3 cents, from 21 cents per gallon to 24 cents.

The ballot question would leave the 3-cent hike in place, but eliminate another portion of the law linking future increases to the rate of inflation.