The state senate is one vote away from recommending the biggest tax increase in state history.

It’s a one-cent sales tax to finance a decade of transportation construction and maintenance that would raise almost eight-billion dollars.

Jefferson City Senator Mike Kehoe says his bill includes language making sure the Department of Transportation carries out the projects it promises voters it will do. He says the sales tax would be the equivalent of a 25-30 cent increase in the gas tax.

Crystal Senator Ryan McKenna says the bill allows millions of dollars to flow to other forms of transportation. He says the present fuel tax law is only for roads. But the proposal he co-sponsors allows some local decisions to be made on local priorities.

When the bill gets full Senate approval, it goes to the House. From there, it would go to a statewide vote next year.

AUDIO: Debate, part 1 40:13

AUDIO: Debate, part 2 42:43