The state Senate voted Monday to rescind a $32 vehicle registration fee Gov. Doug Ducey wanted to use towards funding the state highway department.
The measure now goes before the state House for consideration. The fee is expected to generate $185 million a year for state coffers. Opponents say the fee initially was about half that amount.
"Every time that the state adds fees and taxes and nickel-and-dimes us, especially for highways, then the benefits are kept down here in the Valley or in the urban area," said Jamescita Peshlakai, a Democrat from Window Rock, who voted for the repeal.
Registration fees are based on a vehicle’s value, which depreciates every year. But Ducey has hinted he would veto the repeal.