During a late session Monday night, Tennessee lawmakers passed Governor Bill Haslam’s IMPROVE Act. The bill, which the governor is expected to sign, will raise the gasoline tax in the state 6 cents over the next three years. The first increase of 4 cents will be effective July 1, with the other 2 cents coming over the next two years. That money, which is the first gas tax increase in the state since 1989, will go toward road and bridge improvements throughout all 95 counties. The measure will also lower taxes on food by 1 cent, showing consumers a 20 percent lower grocery bill. It also provides property tax relief for veterans and the elderly.