Gas Tax Increase Rumblings... - Page 2

ylwjacket · #11 01-02-2009, 11:58 PM

Here's the problem - the gas tax is not indexed to inflation. That is one reason why the infrastructure is in such bad shape. If you haven't noticed, materials prices have skyrocketed, but the gas tax is the same. More cost vs same income = less work done.

The gas tax needs to be indexed at a minimum. It has not been raised, or inflation adjusted, in 20 years. It is a real problem.

Also - the idea behind gas tax is that it is, in effect, a user fee. It is not perfect because of differences in fuel economy. But, in essence, the more you drive, the more roadway maintenance needs you create, and the more you pay.

This is actually a critical, critical, need, and I would urge you to think it through before you have a reaction to 'tax increase'.

I'm as libertarian as the next guy, but I also deal with transportation design, policy, and funding issues for a living, and this one is real.

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Quicksilver · #12 01-03-2009, 12:22 AM

I don't believe That "Now that gas is so called cheap again, everyone has conveniently forgotten about the environment."

Honestly I don't think people in general were concerned about the environment in the first place. What they are concerned about is their pocketbook.

Gas has already increased $.50 a gallon recently. So the big wigs can raise the prices thru the roof if they so choose. People will use less fuel because they will be forced to. The result is the same vicious cycle that continues to haunt all the decision makers. The inability to solve the problems facing us all.

But here's a suggestion based on previous comments about healthy debates.
How about all of you who are debating this issue collectivly coming
up with a pragmatic solution to this issue. A solution that "ALL" of you can agree with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-Line

Personally, I think they should raise the gas tax. When gas was $4.50 a gallon everyone and their mother was talking about green energy. Now that gas is cheap again, everyone has conveniently forgotten about the environment.

I personally think, even in a recession, gas prices are too cheap now to foster real world encouragement of alternative fuels. They should raise the gas tax until it effect the pocket book, therefor bringing alternative fuels back onto the conversation table. Make it hurt a little to buy gas and we can reduce our dependency on Middle East oil. Maybe people will continue to buy scooters and motorcycles and smart cars again.

And then if gas prices do go up naturally, they can adjust taxes to keep the gas moderately affordable.

X5Flyboy · #13 01-05-2009, 01:57 AM

"I told you so!" In all fairness, I had predicted that the states would be increasing their gasoline taxes. But now that the Fed is, can the states be far behind? There are alot of budget gaps out there and the states have to cough up their portion of any hwy/bridge construction (that Obama has been talking about).

Meiac09 · #14 01-05-2009, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Flyboy

"I told you so!" In all fairness, I had predicted that the states would be increasing their gasoline taxes. But now that the Fed is, can the states be far behind? There are alot of budget gaps out there and the states have to cough up their portion of any hwy/bridge construction (that Obama has been talking about).

If SC taxed their ciggies more than $.38 a box, that would cover everything

AzNMpower32 · #15 01-05-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meiac09

If SC taxed their ciggies more than $.38 a box, that would cover everything

No, that would damage the tobacco industry and respective farmers. Makes no sense at all.

Meiac09 · #16 01-05-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

No, that would damage the tobacco industry and respective farmers. Makes no sense at all.

Yeah, it would hurt the healthcare industry. What is it, $7.50 a box that it costs everyone else?

B-Line · #17 01-05-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

No, that would damage the tobacco industry and respective farmers. Makes no sense at all.

Cancer merchants...

I'm sure the tobacco farmers could find other crops to grow.. Maybe some Cannabis Sativa ??

Wagner · #18 01-05-2009, 02:40 PM

Taxing tobacco is senseless and pointless, tax hard liquor FAR more. (nobody ever smoked a cig, got in a car and killed your family) So much of state budget is captured by tobacco taxes, the states and thus their citizens VERY MUCH need that product. Just ask your local Interior person how the "road budget" is going

Another failed item dependent on consumer usage of a product that your "government" wants you to cut back on

FYI: Maryland taxes add $2.00 to every pack of cigarettes. That is called using your tax code as a legislative body to force your citizens in a direction regardless of votes. If you don't want tobacco product, vote on it, since they KNOW that wouldn't pass...they tax the crap out of it and line their pocket on the side

Meiac09 · #19 01-05-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wagner

Taxing tobacco is senseless and pointless, tax hard liquor FAR more. (nobody ever smoked a cig, got in a car and killed your family) So much of state budget is captured by tobacco taxes, the states and thus their citizens VERY MUCH need that product. Just ask your local Interior person how the "road budget" is going

Another failed item dependent on consumer usage of a product that your "government" wants you to cut back on

Have you been to SC? The state that repealed the "no smoking indoors" law? The same pack thats 7 bucks up north is $2. There is a huge gap for an excise on that. Add to that that a significantly higher proportion of the population smokes than anywhere else I've ever been, Europe included. Well... maybe not Russia.
Liquor IS taxed heavily there though, FWIW. Much higher than up here. Maybe if they actually enforced DUI's that would help.

for your added part: its called an excise, the government is trying to reduce your usage of it. Same as gas tax, liquor tax, road tax, all that crap.

motordavid · #20 01-05-2009, 03:07 PM

Speaking of cannibis, maybe the geniuses will wake up, make that
legal, sell "gov't inspected", and tax it. Worth billions, I bet...

It allows for ATF/DEA to chase real bad stuff, frees up cops, etc.
Make it illegal to DUI with it, just like alcohol, etc.

Wait...that is way too logical and progressive; the do-gooders and
"moralists" would shout it down and it would never happen.

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