Currently, the state's transportation fund is getting around $300 million from the state's general sales tax. Many legislators see that transfer of general tax revenues as breaking the decadeslong tradition of funding roads from fuel and other vehicle special taxes and fees.

In other words, Utah, like many other states, tries to make "users" of the roads pay for them.

But subsidizing roads to the tune of $300 million from general tax revenues violates that "user" goal.

My guess is, within two years "users" of the roads will be paying more — if not through a larger per-gallon tax then via some other way.

Still, raising any tax in times of surpluses and quickened government growth likely will not sit well with many voters.

And such pain is best inflicted in a year when citizens don't have the chance to vote on their legislators.

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Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com