McMaster likely ally to gas tax hike supporters

Those who believe meaningful improvement to South Carolina roads and bridges won’t take place until the state raises the gas tax may have an ally in the next person who occupies the Governor’s office.  Representative Bill Sandifer of Seneca today said Lt. Governor Henry McMaster “understands” when it comes to recognizing that South Carolina’s failure to raise the gas tax since 1987 is a major reason why many of the state’s roads and bridges have fallen into wretched condition.  If two-term Governor Nikki Haley is confirmed as the next U-N Ambassador, McMaster gets to occupy the Governor’s mansion.  Speaking to the Seneca Rotary Club, Sandifer said Haley refuses to consider the gas tax increase unless it corresponds with cutting two other taxes, which Sandifer said lawmakers found not practical.