Dallas Republican not afraid to talk tax hike

AUSTIN — If you thought Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Chairman John Carona had simmered down since he blasted his party’s top leaders last legislative session, think again.

Carona, a Dallas Republican, is on a mission to avert what he sees as a looming crisis in transportation funding. He’s perplexed at those from both parties who don’t share his urgency.

“There was a lot more courage in the Legislature 20 years ago than, perhaps, there is today,” Carona said at a recent public forum, referring — perhaps not coincidentally — to the general time period when lawmakers last increased the state gasoline tax. “It’s time that today’s legislators of both parties realize … some issues require a really tough vote. And, occasionally, some issues might not, in fact, get you re-elected. But you’re down here to do the right thing for the right reasons.”

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