Posted on 12/16/2008 8:43:09 PM PST by GoreNoMore
http://autos.aol.com/article/news/_a/north-carolina-considers-charging-tax-on/20081215104309990001?ncid=AOLCOMMautodynlsec0004
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A North Carolina panel asked to find solutions for a $65 billion transportation shortfall over the next two decades wrapped up a year of work Wednesday, with its chairman saying it's now up to the public to persuade lawmakers to follow through on recommendations.
It won't be easy: the state needs to invest $1 billion a year for the next 10 years to reduce congestion, increase safety and boost the economy, the 21st Century Transportation Committee said.
The best way to do that is to raise additional taxes and fees, toll interstates and issue a large road-building bond package, according to the final report approved by the committee of legislators, business leaders and local elected officials.
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Most Popular Crossovers on AOL Autos Other committees and interest groups have argued for more transportation revenue in the past. Chairman Brad Wilson he hopes that members of the panel can remain vocal about the issues so that their study just won't sit on some dusty shelf at the Legislative Building. But he urged citizens to speak out with them.
"If the people of North Carolina wants emphasis placed on transportation improvements, then this report will be different," said Wilson, chief operating officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. But he also said he understands that "a year ago, the budget wasn't in this shape."
There will already be intense pressure upon the Legislature to narrow a state budget gap that could exceed more than $2 billion for the next fiscal year with higher taxes and spending cuts. Legislators have said that environment will make it even harder to seek additional revenue sources for transportation.
More at link
the insurance co’s are pushing this.
Two pennies per mile ought to do it. They’d never be able to run for public office again, but what do they care?
There’s nothing in the article that supports that title.
Why not tax the carpetbagging legislatures and local officials for every worthless, power-grabbing, failed Yankee-liberal idea they can spout out? That ought to raise a considerable sum.
Sure there is. What do you think a 'toll' is, if not a tax/mile driven?
First, you're taxed to build it; then you're taxed to maintian it; then you're taxed to use it.
Wonder when they'll start charging sidewalk tolls, and shoe sole taxes for pedestrians? Maybe a 'crossing fee' at crosswalks, too.
Hell, there's LOTS of things they haven't started taxing yet; they gbetter get with it.
yah...where’s the beef??
That’s why it’s called an “excerpt.”
Later on...”The Legislature also should examine charging motorists — perhaps a quarter-cent for every mile recorded on a vehicle’s odometer — to pay for roads. There would be some mileage threshold before a driver would be charged so that people who drive infrequently aren’t charged.
The “vehicle miles traveled” fee could become a substitute for the gasoline tax, which first began in 1921 and whose revenues are expected to keep falling as more people drive alternative-fuel vehicles.”
California floated this and it was laughed out of Sacto. The gas tax already does this. More miles you drive, the more you pay in gas taxes. The heavier your vehicle, the more you wear out the road, but the poorer your mileage and you pay more in tax.
The current system works just fine.
They are just floating a prelude to a pure carbon tax to “fight AGW.”
First the 2008 election and now this nonsense. North Carolina is very close to jumping the shark.
That’s the ticket. When the economy is on it’s knees and unemployment is at extremely high levels more taxes are just the right thing. The state must be holding it’s Mensa meetings at the capitol.
And stupid politician who supports this crap should be stoned in the public square. Or at least any supporters should get voted out of office or recalled then stoned.
NC has gone Massachusetts Liberal! Yuck! They even elected B. Hussein Obamanation there.
They must be holding it in a phone booth.
Next time, exerpt the part of the article that supports the title.
Hey, it wasn’t me. I already know how to excerpt. I took the free FR training program.
No offense to you.
Cheers,
Hey, its not like NC has the highest gas tax in the south.... Oh yea, it does.
North Carolina has gone blue. Blue to the bone.
BS!
What would they have to gain?
Would it address the no-license illegals?
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