The Associated Press
Just wait until she sees the bill.
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Posted 32 weeks 20 hours ago
Are you ready for a 40-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax hike?
Gas prices are higher than they've ever been. So the smart thing to do is make gasoline even more expensive, right?
A federal commission on Tuesday said it will recommend a 40-cent-a-gallon hike in gasoline taxes, using that money to fund badly needed improvements to the nation's transportation system.
Can families afford such a hit?
Thoughts
Depends on the Economic Group
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by Millie'Hurt' people? Why yes, I believe it does hurt some. If we look at all economic classes, you'd have to say that for those who are in the middle income bracket and up, no it would not 'hurt' them and their behavior would not change with a .40 cent tax, not even a $2.00 tax would change their ways. However, for Americans that are living paycheck to paycheck and have mouths to feed at home, the $6 more that it takes to fill a 15 gallon tank of gas could go towards milk, formula, diapers.... etc. If a person has to chose between putting gas in their tank to get to work, to be a productive citizen, or feed and diaper their child, what kind of choice are they being forced to make?
As for biking to work or taking a bus to do errands, difficult to impossible with 1, 2 or 3 children. This may be an effective solution for the single Americans or those couples who are childless, however, very ineffective for the Americans with children.
Good point, 'bout the money
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by ElizabethAnd honestly, I really doubt that many Americans are going to change much over a .40 hike in gas prices. On a different note, I have often heard people say that high gas prices "hurt people", but by hurt people I really think we mean inconvenience people which isn't the same thing. It is a bit inconvenient to ride the bus, or hop on a bike, but it doesn't hurt. Planning your shopping trips, selling your SUV, taking an eco-vacation, they can be a pain in the butt to research and figure out, but it doesn't hurt anyone. But this is really only one point. I think the benefits of changing our behaviors far outweigh the fear of pricey milk.
But thanks, this is a nice forum for discussion.
Changing behavior and unintended consequences
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by BenWith respect, Elizabeth, I don't think the behaviors you cite can be easily modified. Nor do I think they should be. I'd rather see auto makers and energy companies have incentives to research and develop more fuel efficient vehicles. Not to say a slightly higher gas tax isn't necessary. Maybe it is. But imposing punitive gasoline taxes as you suggest would hurt a lot of people, raise the price of food and other merchandise, and generally undermine the economy.
It's one thing to sell a gas tax hike as necessary to make safety improvements. But the reality is always quite different. Where there is a fresh pool of billions of dollars, there will be special interests looking for a piece. We Californians know this all too well.
Changing behavior
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by ElizabethYes, those are the behaviors that can be modified, quite easily. Of course it won't happen overnight, but it won't happen at all without motivation. Most of what I have read about it indicates that money is going to be spent on antiquated bridges and other safety projects, etc. (I could be wrong about the money, please let me know if I misspoke.) It is really easy for me to say all of this because I ride my bike every where, but I know it is very hard for some people to do that. But once you make the switch it gets easier and easier.
What behavior would you like to change?
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by BenCommuting? Tourism? The widespread ownership of SUVs? Something else? I think it would be great if more people could live closer to where they work, for example, but that isn't going to happen overnight.
Also, the federal gas tax is supposed to fund the growth and maintenance of U.S. highway system. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing you aren't a fan of building new freeways?
Odor Eaters Are Important
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by The Big KlosowskiYou should have smelled some of my old college roommates.
Yes, I am ready, Bring it.
Submitted on January 16th, 2008 by ElizabethThe only way to really change behavior in this country seems to be socking it to us in the pocketbook, so bring it on. $8.00 a gallon, hell $20.00, go crazy. See if that trip to Wal-Mart to buy Odor-Eaters is really that important.