TAX FILE: State rates head up

Washington and North Dakota have passed fuel tax increases that take effect on July 1, while Oklahoma may do the same after a September 13 ballot. In Washington, the current 28.5¢ rate on all highway fuels will rise three cents per gallon on July 1, another three cents a year later, 2¢ on July 1, 2007, and 1.5¢ on July 1, 2008, for a total increase of 9.5¢. North Dakota will have a single, 2¢ increase, plus a $10 rise in vehicle registration fees. Oklahoma voters will decide whether to raise the diesel tax 8¢ from the current 14, and raise the gasoline tax 5¢ from the current 17¢ per gallon.