OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – Lawmakers in Washington state have introduced legislation that could increase the state gas tax, making it the highest in the country at 67.4 cents a gallon.

KING-TV reported that the proposal calls for a 18-cent increase a gallon in the state’s gas tax.

The bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Jake Fey would increase the price by 10 cents a gallon this year and another 8 cents a gallon in 2022.

Officials say Washington state drivers currently pay 49.4 cents a gallon in state taxes.

Fey said the funding would pay for transportation projects.

Some lawmakers have argued the state should instead prioritize aid for residents impacted by the pandemic.