The Real Gas Tax Scandal
Republicans want to make an issue out of the recent state gas tax increase. They’re shocked – shocked, mind you – at a 2.8 cent tax hike. But they’re unbothered that the oil companies raised the price 15 cents.
They’re missing the real problem here.
I agree with an opinion piece that ran in the Charlotte Observer:
Is it outrageous to have the sixth highest gas tax if you have to maintain the second largest network of roads in the country? North Carolina maintains more than 78,000 miles of roadway, second to Texas.
Here’s something drivers really should be annoyed about. Not all of the gas taxes you’re paying go to roads. The state regularly takes millions in gas taxes for the general fund, diverting them from highway needs to help balance the budget….
Meanwhile, Raleigh is begging the state to build the rest of its I-540 loop as a toll road. Otherwise it won’t be finished until after 2030.
I also like what Joseph Freddoso, chairman of the Regional Transportation Alliance, wrote in The N&O:
There’s no doubt North Carolinians have endured their share of pain at the pump. However, we must face the reality that saving three cents on a gallon of gas now isn’t worth adding to a $3 billion underinvestment in mobility. If there is a call for a special session of the legislature, let it be on an issue that can make a true difference in both the short- and long-term: preserving transportation taxes solely for transportation and mobility improvements. Don’t suspend the gas tax increase — end the diversions of the public’s transportation tax and fee investments.
The Real Gas Tax Scandal
Republicans want to make an issue out of the recent state gas tax increase. They’re shocked – shocked, mind you – at a 2.8 cent tax hike. But they’re unbothered that the oil companies raised the price 15 cents.
They’re missing the real problem here.
I agree with an opinion piece that ran in the Charlotte Observer:
Is it outrageous to have the sixth highest gas tax if you have to maintain the second largest network of roads in the country? North Carolina maintains more than 78,000 miles of roadway, second to Texas.
Here’s something drivers really should be annoyed about. Not all of the gas taxes you’re paying go to roads. The state regularly takes millions in gas taxes for the general fund, diverting them from highway needs to help balance the budget….
Meanwhile, Raleigh is begging the state to build the rest of its I-540 loop as a toll road. Otherwise it won’t be finished until after 2030.
I also like what Joseph Freddoso, chairman of the Regional Transportation Alliance, wrote in The N&O:
There’s no doubt North Carolinians have endured their share of pain at the pump. However, we must face the reality that saving three cents on a gallon of gas now isn’t worth adding to a $3 billion underinvestment in mobility. If there is a call for a special session of the legislature, let it be on an issue that can make a true difference in both the short- and long-term: preserving transportation taxes solely for transportation and mobility improvements. Don’t suspend the gas tax increase — end the diversions of the public’s transportation tax and fee investments.