[Founding Father]

A few states receive more than they pay in gas taxes, but many more receive less and as a result cannot meet their transportation needs. The problem is that the federal government is handling duties that could be performed by the states.

The best way to drive away from this mess is to drastically reduce the federal gas tax. With a depleted Highway Trust Fund, Congress would be limited in its ability to insert pork into the transportation budget. Such a change would remove Congress from involvement in transportation matters except those of true national priority. There would still be gas tax revenue to pay for the maintenance of the national system, for example. The whole nation would win, as state governments would have more room to adjust their own gas taxes and transportation spending to fit their unique circumstances, which they can identify much better than Washington.

The federal gas tax has been a windfall for the well-connected, and a raw deal for taxpayers. But simple reforms can correct this inequity.

Update, the bill passed both houses. Our local congresscritter was so excited and bragging that we get 90 cents back on the dollar. What a dumb***.

[SouthTexas]

2003 Texas paid $288.5 million more in federal gas taxes than it got back in road construction,

Better than Texas' .89.

[ASOC]

Back in the late '80s, the 55 mph law was a joke in Nevada - if they bothered to write you a ticket for going over 55 (at or under 75 IIRC)it was an 'Energy water ticket - no points and a $49 (yup, pay there or mail in)

The Feds didn't like that and made the threat to pull hiway funds.

The NV legislature said fine with us, we'll collect and keep the Federal tax ourselves - not a peep from the Feds after that.

The article also missed beating up Alaska for all the 'pork' the state gets in these bills.