News on the severance tax

There's some news this morning on the growing support for an increase of the severance tax. Sen. Mary Anne Salmon vows to file legislation in 2009 (this is from the Democrat-Gazette's subscription only section). Stephens Media has two articles on the subject this morning. John Lyon's article includes quotes that the likelihood of an increase is greater through the initiave process than through the legislativ eprocess, where a 3/4 is required from both chambers. Doug Thompson's article includes coverage from the House Transportation meeting, where the severance tax was discussed as a possible solution to fund a highway program.