Comments on: Fix the Tax Code Friday: Gas Tax

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:23:58 +0000

Can’t argue with Keith’s logic.
My two cents on the tax is to raise it, for most of the same reason’s cited above by the others. Put the extra income into universities willing to research and develop more alternative sources of fuel. I read the other day that at the current 18.5 cents/ gallon, the federal fund will actually be going into the red in 2009, in essence, that 18.5 cents doesn’t actually cover all the road maintenance currently being done, let alone any upgrades.

By: Keith

Keith — Sun, 25 May 2008 20:40:06 +0000

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people like us who are responding to questions like these, actually ran our government instead of the rich politicians who are in charge to day? I say stop paying all those senators and representatives so much money for doing nothing. If they actually had to worry about the same issues the common man does, maybe things would change.

By: Another Tax Geek, CPA

Another Tax Geek, CPA — Sat, 24 May 2008 20:56:00 +0000

Gas taxes should definitely not be cut. I say leave alone, or raise them (and this from a conservative republican with libertarian leanings). One way or another, commuting and travel habits need to change, and we need to be less reliant on foreign oil.

By: Oxnate

Oxnate — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:54:25 +0000

Sorry for posting again so soon, but I had an idea.

Raise the gas tax and use the money to build bike lanes. It’s been shown with more SAFE places to ride their bikes more people will ride them. More people riding their bikes actually will reduce demand for gas and prices might actually stall. (they probably won’t drop)

By: Oxnate

Oxnate — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:38:37 +0000

RAISE the gas tax!!!!

Then again, I do 50%+ of my trips by bike, so I may be in the minority here.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:14:16 +0000

I strongly favor raising the tax. It always amazes me when I hear complaints about “high” gas taxes. As a comparison, the gas tax in Germany (and other western European countries) is around 0.65 Euros per liter which is equivalent to $3.85 per gallon. I am not saying that we should raise it quite that much, but adding on 50 cents per gallon doesn’t seem unreasonable to me. Maybe then will we finally get around to investing adequately in fuel efficiency, public transportation, and alternative energy sources.

By: Wayne PHILLIPS

Wayne PHILLIPS — Fri, 23 May 2008 15:16:15 +0000

Leave the tax alone! Taxes raised by gasoline/diesel sales “supposedly” go to road construction and maintenance. A “tax holiday” would not save money for customers who would continue to drive as there is no tomorrow. States and the Federal Govt would be forced to curb or curtail road projects due to lack of funds. That in turn would cause un-employment to rise and a domino effect in the transportation section.
As it is a national issue, it will take a national effort to solve. Turning the oil industry toward alternative sources of energy may be a way. Void their tax loop-holes currently given for oil exploration, and instead hang a carrot out for those who wish to switch to other forms of energy and “show results”.
We as a nation must resolve this issue now, or be held hostage to the world and its influence.

By: Marg

Marg — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:58:05 +0000

I know people who will drive cross town to save 2 cents per gallon not understanding that it cost more to get there than they saved. If drivers see the price go down by 18 cents (a whopping $1.80 for a 10 gallon fill up) they probably would drive as usual or more. The tax is used to maintain our infrastructure. If it were elimated the funding would have to come from somewhere else. The presidential candidates fail to mention thist when touting elimination or suspension of the tax.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:56:04 +0000

JS -
The UK has a similar (and unpopular) tax. But it also appears to have the result of raising revenue and decreasing demand for bigger cars. Studies have also suggested that pollution levels in cities appear to be dropping.
I personally don’t understand the appeal of large vehicles. I have a big family (5) and we drive a Subaru. On occasion, for a long trip, we’ve rented a minivan (shh, don’t tell anyone). I have friends with Tahoes, Yukons, etc. – one friend cannot park her SUV in her garage in her NEW home because it doesn’t fit. Complains about gas. Paid $60k+ for car. So…. what’s good about it? I just don’t understand. Very happy with my smaller gas tank – esp these days.

By: JS

JS — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:47:59 +0000

I say, leave the gas tax alone or even raise it. We gotta get weaned off of our dependence on foreign oil.
I suggest a $5,000 tax on new gas guzzlers and $500 a year to license them. If you can afford $40,000+ for these oversize monsters you can afford to contribute to the support of our country.