MATT O’BRIEN, Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island House of Representatives has been debating for hours on a plan to charge big-rig trucks to travel through the state.
House members began deliberating in the afternoon and are preparing to vote Wednesday night on the truck toll plan proposed by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo to finance repairs to the state’s deteriorating bridges.
The Democrat-controlled House shot down several amendments, including one by Republicans to ease the toll burden on local truckers by giving them subsidies and tax credits.
A noisy convoy of trucks circled the State House with horns blaring in protest before lawmakers assembled.
Local truckers have decried the bill they say unfairly targets them to pay for road wear-and-tear that is a shared responsibility.
The Senate is set to vote Thursday.
