Washington Insider David Young made it clear last night that he doesn’t share the values of Iowa families, laying out an agenda that would be a double hit to the Iowa economy – phasing out the renewable fuel standard that supports so many Iowa farmers, and suggesting he would raise the gas tax.
“David Young’s support for raising the gas tax and phasing out the renewable fuel standard might sound great to the out-of-state special interests that are fueling his campaign, but his plans are downright devastating for middle class Iowa families,” said Brandon Lorenz of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Whether it’s raising the gas tax or phasing out the renewable fuel standard, David Young’s plans for Iowa’s middle class families are dangerous and completely disconnected from reality.”
BACKGROUND:
June 2014: Young Said He Would Like to See Renewable Fuels Standard Phased Out. In June 2014, when asked if he supported phasing out Renewable Fuels Standards Young said, “I’d like to see it phased out. I’d like to see it brought to that point where it’s strong enough where you can phase that out and it can stand on its own.” [Iowa Press Interview, 6/27/14]
Young Would Not Rule Out a Gas Tax. In 2014 the Des Moines Register reported, “Only one candidate entirely ruled out a gas tax increase for repair of roads and bridges: Appel. She said middle-class families can’t afford it. Young noted the gas tax as it exists today will continue to diminish with alternative-fuel vehicles, but he said there would be a need for some sort of user fee.” [Des Moines Register, 9/11/14]
- Young Suggested Taxing How Much Fuel People Put in their Vehicles. In 2014 when asked how he would pay for infrastructure improvements Young said “I think it would be something in the line of a gas tax, compared to, like how much fuel they put in their vehicle or maybe by wattage.” [Iowa Public Television Debate, 9/11/14]