Posted on 10/26/2011 7:50:22 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
ANNAPOLIS — A Maryland commission recommended Tuesday that the state raise its gas tax by more than 60 percent over the next three years, but members acknowledged that taxpayers facing a dire economy could find the increase hard to swallow.
The proposed hike, approved by the state-appointed Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation Funding, would raise the gas tax on wholesalers by 5 cents a year for three years, from the current rate of 23.5 cents per gallon.
The move could generate nearly $500 million in annual revenue and is part of $870 million in annual tax-and-fee increases recommended by the commission. The funds would help pay for road and transit projects and restore the state’s long-borrowed-against Transportation Trust Fund.
The Democrat-controlled General Assembly likely will consider the increases during the legislative session that begins in January. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, has signaled that he would approve a gas-tax hike among recommended increases.
Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown urged state lawmakers during a special assembly session last week to consider such an increase. Mr. O'Malley has not ruled out raising the gas tax as part of his proposed budget - a move that would make it more likely to pass than if a stand-alone measure is proposed and debated by legislators.
“I think we’re at a point now where we can no longer borrow,” said Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines, Prince George’s Democrat and a commission member. “Additional revenue is definitely needed.”
Maryland has not increased its gas tax since 1992.
Supporters say that slumping state revenues - compounded by more fuel-efficient vehicles and the public’s decreasing reliance on cars - have put state roads and bridges in a general state of disrepair.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
It never occurs to them to spend less. That whole idea is just “crazy talk”.
This is usually the root source of the problem, they use it as a slush fund
Static economics at it’s best, I was living in Baltimore City when the genius Mayor Schmoke raised taxes year after year, people moved from the city to the county, several years in he actually stated they had to raise taxes because fewer people lived in the city...Really? Ya think? Any thoughts as to why?
Providing of course that people drive the same distances and use the same amount of gas. Prices go up, people use less and the revenue flattens out at the same level.
Well, no, not at the same level. I can easily gas up before I drive through MD. PA is cheaper.
For instance, I don’t buy gas or cigs in NY.
You’re already doing it or will. But on the whole, whatever revenue they get now will most likely stay the same because people will drive less or like you, take advantage of filling up before. In CA they’re taxing those hybrid cars because they use less gas so the state is getting less revenue.
Doing what? Buying gas in MD?
Not on a bet.
No no, what I’m saying is you’d buy your gas before going through MD. Had you bought gas there before? It’s the people living there that have to foot that bill.
Oh - yes, exactly once - I forgot to fill up beforehand. Ooops.
But you are right - the residents are screwed. Nobody else is going to pay it - MD is small. Even a Yugo could make it thru without a fuel stop.
And the folks in DC. They shop in MD.
Once again the Eastern Shore is scr3wed.
Here on the Eastern Shore the number of MD tags I see at the gas stations near the line is interesting - but what’s even funnier is the number of Delaware tags at the gas stations in Salisbury or on the MD side of Delmar.
Last time we were in Delaware I was very thankful we didn’t have to fill up there. I actually didn’t mind throwing in some in MD.
Really? I did not know that.
NY Trip plan - fill up in VA. Fill up again, just south of the NY border (MM 231 on US 81).
Buy nothing in NY, except groceries.
Wow. I live in Annapolis and saw 60 percent and got a little scared, but then saw 5 cents and calmed down. Sheesh that article title is true but a bit disingenuous. Why not just say gas tax going up 5 cents?
Because they want it to go up 5 cents a year for three years straight, thus making the total increase 60 percent.
Yup. There are actually places in MD where gas is cheaper than here, but that’s up by the DE line and I rarely venture to Salisbury, except if I’m headed to Dover. But gas is higher in DE.
Hmmm. Interesting.
Next trip. I will use GasBuddy to scope it out.
I cannot think of a more “regressive tax” that progressives constantly support.
Don’t they care about the little guy? The gasoline tax impacts him harder than just about any other tax. The obvious answer is: No, they don’t care about the little guy.
Ed Rendell created a similar panel here in Pennsylvania.
They are pushing for longer license and registration terms with higher fees.
Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Transportation made a speech last week calling for a gas tax increase to match the “rate of inflation.” He is a Republican.
Republicans run this state from governor to legislature.
They are RINO moderates so I’m expecting fee and tax hikes at some point in the future.
We got them here in PA when Tom Ridge was the GOP governor in the 1990’s.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.