Blue Ribbons Report is in: Will it Fly?

greenspun.com : LUSENET : I-695 Thirty Dollar License Tab Initiative : One Thread

Does everyone want to be taxed 231$ a year for their recommendations, or is it just me? I think the whole thing is bogus. Maybe I am not learned' on these issues. Can anyone explain why these recommendations might work? Any opinions, pro or con...

-- Rolex Hoffmann (rolex@innw.net), December 03, 2000

Answers

to Rolex: The commission's recommendations for regional transportation authorities are reasonable. Furthermore, they recommend that the regional authorties have the the ability to raise taxes, WITH VOTER APPROVAL.

For example, if we had a Peninsula Transportation Authority, which was in charge of building a new bridge, as well as running the ferries, then I wouldn't mind paying $100 - $200 a year in license tab fees in exchange for lower tolls. Why? I can deduct the cost of license tab fees from my taxes, but I cannot deduct the the cost of tolls.

However, the Commission's recommendations for raising gasoline taxes, and even worse, imposing a sales tax on gasoline, are completely unacceptable. Roads are basic necessity for all of society. We pay income taxes to the federal government, and we pay massive sales taxes to the state government. Furthermore, we can generate additional revenue by "privatizing" the HOV system. And, of course, there are the BILLIONS available to the state via overly-funded accounts. Therefore, there are no reasons to raise any taxes.

-- Matthew M. Warren (mattinsky@msn.com), December 04, 2000.


Matthew, No where in this report does it say anything about voter approval. It says it gives local governments the rights to tax the hell of us. We are back to Government as usual in this state. There is no talk about the money they already have, or who is accountable for its spending and effiency.

As long as they put this proposal up for a vote before the electorate, I have no problem with that. If the majority want to pay for it, then so be it.

-- Rolex Hoffmann (rolex@innw.net), December 04, 2000.


Rolex,

The report does recommend voter approval. In addition, Locke has stated voters will have to approve, and he plans on public appearances and talk shows to promote his version of the plan. This is before the Legislature has had an opportunity to study or make recommendations of their own.

The problem I have, is that tax increases would probably be voted on statewide, probably at the same time as a plan to divide into regions. I think each affected region should be allowed to vote AFTER they see what was proposed in their particular region.

-- Marsha (acorn_nut@msn.com), December 04, 2000.


Fair enough, Marsha.

The problem is the word, "recommend". In political terms this word means nothing legally. I would prefer the words: "Mandated Voter Approval on all Transportation taxes. These are the same people who are challenging all our voter approved tax cuts. I really dont trust their vague " recommendations ".

-- Rolex Hoffmann (rolex@innw.net), December 04, 2000.


Rolex,

You are correct. Just because the Gov says will will vote on it, doesnt mean it won't be done in a sneaky, "we aren't telling the whole story" manner. I expect that is exactly what will happen. The entire matter was timed to give the Gov time to enlist public support BEFORE the Legislature gets a wack at it, and before it has been thoroughly examined, IMO.

-- Marsha (acorn_nut@msn.com), December 04, 2000.



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