Terry McAuliffe promises tax increases
By Brian Kirwin | Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 | Politics“Additional transportation taxes — pressed by departing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat, but blocked by General Assembly Republicans — can’t be ruled out after the recession ends, says McAuliffe.” (RTD)
Looks like Dick Saslaw is going to have a friend in McAuliffe. Saslaw, remember, wanted statewide gas and sales tax increases, and Hampton Roads-only tax increases on top of that.
Now McAuliffe, who earlier in the campaign was all “no new taxes,” is now opening the door to racking in the taxes out of your pockets, my pockets, and even our children’s pockets once “the recession is over” (translation – his first day as Governor).
At least the Democrats are ditching their “fiscal conservative” disguises for the election and actually running on raising taxes. The way they’d promise no tax increase and then spend four years trying to raise them was getting a bit boring.
Tags:
Contribute for Conservatism!
Share this post
About the author
The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
We're 75% there! Thank you to everyone who has so far contributed! Just $2000 to go!
Comments
11 Responses to "Terry McAuliffe promises tax increases"
Another reason for me to like Terry McAuliffe.
Increased fuel taxes are preferable to the alternatives like putting tolls on even existing highways (my Senator in Richmond, Wagner is in favor of this) to fund transportation improvements.
The trucking industry, which I am a member of, favors fuel tax increases as being the preferred method of raising additional revenue for highway maintenance.
David, if you think government needs more of your money, please write them a check.
Don’t force me to do the same.
Gas taxes regressively hurt those who can afford it the least. Whether at the pump or passed along in the increased cost of goods, this is bad government at its finest.
Brian,
Do you use the roadways? I expect you to pay your fair share as well.
Jason,
Instead of a fuel tax what method do you propose that is less regressive? I’m all ears for your new idea. All the current alternatives are worse then the fuel tax so I am eagerly awaiting your better idea.
David, a higher percentage of our income goes to government than any generation before us, including the one that built those highways.
They don’t need more.
Government has no incentive to cut costs anymore.
David, I don’t blame you for opposing tolls. I wouldn’t blame you for ooposing fuel taxes either though. You drive for a living. You get a pass from me.
However, they have you agreeing to choose between the lesser of two evils. Somehow you’ve been convinced that fuel tax hikes are good?
Responsible government and our FAIR share of revenue is what we need.
Care to provide something to back up that statement?
First off the state already collects MORE our our money then they need. Next, they spend it on the wrong things. Their priorities are far out of whack. The argument that they state needs MORE of our money is what needs to be discussed, not some fool’s game of arguing over how the state will tax us more! BTW – anyone that pays attention knows that the plan will end up in higher gas tates AND tolls AND “other” fees and taxes as well. What proof? Read HB 3202 from 2007 – it’s all in the bill. Grantor’s taxes, new regional fee hikes, regional taxes, all manner of tax, fees, & tolls – all to pay for the WRONG highways – highways picked by a very flawed and citizen-hostile, special interest friendly – process.
“Two factors are primarily responsible for the general trend of higher tax burdens over recent decades – the upward trend in state and local taxation and the increase in the federal payroll tax used to fund social insurance programs:
* State and local taxes combined took 8.8 percent of the two-earner family’s income in 1975, but 23 years later that share had grown to 13.1 percent. For the one-earner family, state and local taxes make up an even larger share of the total tax burden and have been growing even faster. In 1975, state/local taxes took 9.4 percent of family income, but in 1998 they took 15.0 percent.
* Payroll taxes have also climbed sharply. Although the rate has not increased since 1990, the amount of income subject to the tax has increased so rapidly that the median family’s growing wages have not been able to catch up to the cap. In 1998, the combined rate was 15.3 percent (employer and employee each paid 7.65 percent) on wages and salaries up to $68,400 for Social Security, Disability Insurance, and Medicare. “
Last year I paid $8516 just in fuel taxes (if what is known as the ton/mile taxes that some states charge commercial vehicles in lieu of fuel taxes is included). Since I first started driving a big truck back in 1997 I have covered over 1.5 million miles while trucking in every one of the lower 48 continental states.
I believe that my experience gives my opinion on this subject some authority. Virginia DOT does a pretty good job with the meager funding the department is given for construction and maintenance. Are there problems that still need be addressed? Yes, but you can’t have a first class road system on a poverty budget.
Virginia’s tax on diesel is lower then every state that borders the Commonwealth with the exception of Tennessee.
I am not a lone wolf trucker in favor of a fuel tax increase. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), who’s membership includes most of the larger trucking companies in the industry, has recently come out in favor of a sizable increase in the federal fuel tax rate (as long as the additional revenue is dedicated to transportation). Do you think this group of private businessmen want to pay additional taxes if they are not necessary?
Oh, part of the ATA’s reasoning for the fuel tax increase goes something like this: snarled congestion and poor road maintenance costs the trucking industry billions of dollars each year. If taxes are increased to fund improved maintenance and construction to reduce congestion, the savings to the industry will more then offset the increased fuel taxes and lead to increased profits. Actually I find at least some fault with their logic. I think that because the trucking industry is so cut throat competitive, reduced costs will result in reduced freight rates. However I think the American consumer and the American economy will benefit from this, so I am still in favor of the fuel tax increases even if I am right and they are wrong.
I’m often to running a blog and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for brand spanking new information.
Leave your response