Comments on: With Budget Shortfalls, Gas Tax Discussion Re-emerges

By: tapra1

tapra1 — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:01:51 +0000

, Durbin wondered how the federal government is going to pay for improving the country’s crumbling highway infrastructure. Dedicated Hosting Reviews

By: veek

veek — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 04:11:12 +0000

Actually, there is one significant governmental problem with a gas tax increase — unlike practically every other Obama program, this one does not significantly add to the Federal deficit and to the burden he will pass on to our children. Nevertheless, it still seems like a great idea.

By: wooac

wooac — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:29:09 +0000

A higher gas tax would stimulate more car buying than "Cash for New Clunkers" and higher CAFE rules. If you believe in market intelligence, just raise the cost of gas and let the market decide what gas efficiency. If this doesn't achieve your average over the entire US vehicle population, raise the gas tax until it does!

A higher gas tax would also reduce the US dependency on foreign oil. It doesn't have to be revenue generating. It could be coupled with credits for good health habits on your health insurance, for instance.

By: MJ77

MJ77 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:40:48 +0000

Let's Do it!

1. $1 a Gallon gas tax phased in as $.10 every 6 months

2. All gas has to be at least 10% ethanol (get rid of E85)

3. All Trucks need to get 20 MPG

4. All non-trucks need to get 30 MPG

5. More cash for clunker type programs(tax credit's for hybrids, EV cars)

6. Natural Gas for Big Trucks and more money for the railroads.

It's not hard... we are almost there!

By: GR

GR — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:12:44 +0000

Getta Grip: That almost sounds logical except for the fact that gas tax doesn’t rise with the cost of inflation. Therefore, it’s NOT enough.

By: Gettta Grip

Gettta Grip — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:33:21 +0000

The taxes already in place are more than sufficient to keep our highways in tact. In and around DC there is a half a million more people driving than there was 20 years ago. Thats a half million more gas taxes with the same roads.The problem is the politicians that rob from those taxes to go to other projects not related to transportation. Just like they’ve robbed Social Security for other projects. A little clarity on how your city, county, state, federal taxes are spent (wasted) on other not related projects and who is responsible is the answer to several problems. That bridge that collapsed in MN, had money allocated to fix it. Those monies went elsewhere to pay for bigger, useless government. The answer is not to throw more money at it but review the wasteful pork barrel spending first and trim the fat. That will leave more money in everybodies pockets in the end.

By: Lost Prius to wife

Lost Prius to wife — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:50:13 +0000

I’ve seen the TV ads that show a gas pump at $4.00 a gallon and are against increased taxes. They seem to imply that one will be able to keep gas cost low at $2 or $3 for an extended period of time if gas taxes are voted down. Anyone believing that, I’ve got some stock in the Brooklyn Bridge that I will sell them really cheap!

Taxes are necessary to keep the things that we, as a people, need or want. Since we have no replacement for highways, like Star Trek teleporters, we need to keep those highways in good shape so we can move people and things from point “A” to point “B”. Therefore, it only makes sense to base what oil / gas taxes are to be assessed on what it cost to build and maintain the highways, the main place where the oil / gas is used.

The only other taxes that should be required are for the usage of those roads. Trucking companies already pay taxes in that area, but maybe the rest of the population needs to add to it. How would we successfully assess and enforce such taxes? That is an almost impossible task which I have no suggestion as to how to go about it. Having toll roads for every single road is not a practical idea. Set fees are not fair to people who use the road very little or a lot. I’m sure someone could come up with a reasonably fair plan. Maybe even our government leaders.

By: nycsolar

nycsolar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:15:53 +0000

Afterall, the oil companies registered record profits for the last few years. It the price of taxed gas goes too high, the oil companies will have to shrink their profit margins to keep gas prices lower. Win for all, except Exxon Mobil, the world’s most despicable company.

By: fairPrice

fairPrice — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:34:10 +0000

Increasing gas tax might reduce unemployment. With the new money coming in, govt. will have enough funds to do repairs to our roads and other infrastructure. And who will do the repair work? The unemployed Americans.

By: Scott Z

Scott Z — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:24:41 +0000

Oil Fuel (Gas/Diesel) does need to be taxed higher to get us in line with most developed nations. A gradual increase over the next 5 or 10 years should give a fair warning shot across the auto industry's bow. This should open up the EV and BioDiesel market more.

AP I have no worries about taxing electricity. Once a good EV is available I plan on adding enough solar panels to fill it up!