It's a big idea that's sure to warrant attention and discussion in many states coast to coast. Last week Blake Filippi, a State House Representative in Rhode Island, said he intends to propose an amendment to his state's Constitution banning any new highway tolls on passenger vehicles.

In a recent phone interview with GasBuddy he told us that RI, like most other states, is struggling to fund bridge repair and reconstruction. RI Governor Gina Raimondo has already introduced a plan for new highway tolls on large commercial trucks only.  By bonding the debt she hopes to secure the needed funding ($600 million) now at a projected cost estimated at  $1.1 to 1.3 billion over 30 years. But Filippi says he's worried that if enough money is not raised, state residents could be on the hook (sooner or later) to pay the debt even long after Raimondo's term ends. ...