Lawmaker says Governor Corbett joins transportation talks

(Harrisburg) -- A top Republican state senator says Governor Corbett's administration is showing interest in legislation he's writing that would increase a tax paid by gas-station owners to pump more money into highway and bridge construction and repair.

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Rafferty says  talks with Corbett aides began in the last two weeks. Rafferty says he wants to introduce his plan in January.

The Montgomery County Republican says a cornerstone of his legislation would be lifting a statutory cap on the oil company franchise tax. It's an idea that's been discussed for years, although lawmakers have shied away because of the view that it's a tax increase.

Corbett took a pledge against raising taxes, but says he's considering the idea.