Raising State Tax on Gas

With the current tax per gallon of gas at 9 cents federal, 9 cents state, plus the 6 1/2% sales tax, taxes are already more than 20% of the cost. Now I read where the Legislature, with the backing of county supervisors (Metro, Aug. 19), wish to add an 8-cent increase to the state tax on each gallon. Before we all fall down on our knees and bless this tax increase, how about an accounting of current revenues? If this additional 8 cents raises $1 billion, what’s happening to the present $1 billion-plus? How much finds its way to the potholes? How much goes down the drain?

K. GLASER

Manhattan Beach