(RALEIGH) -- A report from the North Carolina Budget and Tax Center says capping North Carolina’s gas tax would hurt the state's ability to keep up with maintenance and construction needs. Center fellow Tazra Mitchell said she understands some see the gas tax as hurting those with the lowest incomes.

"This is why the N.C. Justice Center and the Budget and Tax Center is pushing for a stronger earned income tax credit, which is a tax credit that families can file that would boost their income," said Mitchell.

According to the report, North Carolina currently ranks 48th in the country in spending per lane-mile of paved road, and poor road conditions cost North Carolina drivers $1.7 billion in additional repairs and operating costs. The gas tax rate is currently 38.9 cents per gallon. The report said that each penny of the gas tax yields approximately $50 million each year.