An Olympia budget problem:
- Washington's roads need repair and improvements.
- Gas tax revenues are way down because people are driving less and driving more fuel-efficient cars.
- State voters have made it clear they don't want higher taxes.
What's a lawmaker to do?
Democratic budget writers in the Legislature hoping to plug a $5 billion deficit are proposing to raise a slew of fees on everything from getting a drivers license to riding a ferry.
They say they're just trying to bring fees -- many of which haven't been raised in years -- in line with current costs. But skeptical Republicans are cool to the proposal.
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