Is a federal gas tax like an “aging rock star on a farewell tour?”

Back in the day, twice each year, a debate would break out at the news bureau where I used to work: “Who is going to write the gas tax story?”

It was a story you could write in your sleep. “Nebraska’s variable gas tax is rising/dropping to … blah, blah, blah.”

But it was kind of important. A rise would mean a couple pennies more paid in taxes per gallon; a drop, a penny or two of a break.