Thursday, May 5, 2011

Democrats Looking to Tax Mileage/Movement





Gas prices are nearly $4.00 a gallon and it’s not even summertime.  Some Americans are making hard decisions based on this commodity.  Now, the federal government is looking for a way to suck more money out of the citizenry.  A new study has been commissioned by Democrats to garner more revenue for that monster in Washington D.C...  They want a tax based on your driving habits:  

The CBO report was requested by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), who has proposed taxing cars by the mile as a way to increase federal highway revenues.

The proposal seems to follow up on that idea in section 2218 of the draft bill. That section would create, within the Federal Highway Administration, a Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office. It would be tasked with creating a "study framework that defines the functionality of a mileage-based user fee system and other systems."

It seems that the Feds aren’t completely clueless.  They know they must manipulate the public into believing that we have to pay more for the freedom of movement: 

The department seemed to be aware of the need to prepare the public for what would likely be a controversial change to the way highway funds are collected. For example, the office is called on to serve a public-relations function, as the draft says it should "increase public awareness regarding the need for an alternative funding source for surface transportation programs and provide information on possible approaches.

Of course the Feds don’t want to get their fingers dirty; just like other federal programs they want to force the states to be their revenue collectors:

The office would be required to consider four factors in field trials: the capability of states to enforce payment, the reliability of technology, administrative costs and "user acceptance." The draft does not specify where field trials should begin.

I’ll tell the commission about this “User’s acceptance”, the first act I’ll do if this ever becomes law, will find a first rate mechanic and have that piece of technology ripped right out of my car.  Suck that you thieving bastards!

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