seMissourian.com: Editorial: Highway spending (03/01/10)

Among the many spending priorities being considered during Missouri's budget crunch is the construction and maintenance of highways. Contributing to overall shortfalls in state revenue is the fact that fuel consumption dropped 5 percent in 2009 from 2007 levels. The main source of highway funding is a 17-cent-a-gallon state tax on fuel. The less fuel purchased, the less revenue for highways.

At a Missouri Transportation Alliance meeting in Cape Girardeau last month, major highway needs for Southeast Missouri were reviewed, and considerable attention was given to the prospects for paying for those projects. Those attending the meeting were told Missouri will need up to $800 million more each year to meet demands on the highway system (5,600 miles of primary highways and 28,000 miles of secondary roads).

A 2002 measure to increase fuel taxes was defeated in a statewide vote. Voters in 2004 approved a $1.7 billion bond issue for highways to be repaid from motor vehicle sales taxes.

The big question, then, is how will Missouri raise the money to meet the future highway needs? As the state continues to struggle out of the recession, huge across-the-board spending cuts are anticipated. This isn't an easy problem, but it's one that needs serious attention.

This is why Congress never raised mileage standards for cars. Higher mileage cars means lower tax revenue to the government. Lower revenues means less opportunity for personal political earmarks.

By avoiding energy independence, we have fought two wars in the Persian gulf and lost 8,000+ fellow citizens and trillions of dollars in treasure defending the interests of corrupt Middle East rulers and the infrastructure of multinational oil companies.

We need to acknowledge the fact that cars will get better mileage and support a five cent increase in gas taxes at both the state and federal level. We are also going to need taxes put in place for electric cars and natural gas vehicles as they become available. If your auto is wearing out the roads and you want the convenience that comes with driving, take personal responsibility and pay for it.

Visit: http://larrybill.com/why-i-m-running/

Larry Bill, Independent Conservative Candidate for Congress, 8th District, Missouri

-- Posted by nolimitsonthought on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, at 9:23 AM

Larry, we may need taxes. But why not keep the tax dollars for the roads and leave developing natural gas and electric cars to the private sector. I wouldn't want to drive a government designed electric car any more then a GM car...

-- Posted by everest on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, at 8:12 PM

Sorry,

I didn't communicate well. I am for the private sector developing electric and natural gas vehicles as well.

Since these specific vehicle owners won't consume gasoline and subsequently pay gasoline taxes, vehicle owners will have to be otherwise taxed to pay for their vehicles' stress on roads.

Does that help?

Larry Bill

-- Posted by nolimitsonthought on Mon, Mar 1, 2010, at 10:23 PM

Okay, I see what you were saying now - makes sense. Thanks.

-- Posted by everest on Tue, Mar 2, 2010, at 6:27 AM