so I have heard a lot of populist rhetoric from BOTH John McCain and Hillary Clinton suggesting the federal gas tax should be temporarily eliminated for the summer driving season (May long weekend to labour day). Good idea? no? Gas prices are expected to rise a lot for the driving season.
I think a better solution would be to retract all the tax subsidies and exemptions the petroleum companies receieve, but that's not going to happen. The most gas tax removal on a federal level could do is probably about 10 cents a gallon here in California. My solution would put more revenue in the national budget. Why is it the consumer is paying for the petroleum industries exemptions. Driving season...I drive my vehicle all year. I've often wondered why every year the gas prices go up in the late spring and summer. Why don't my jeans and boots go up seasonally?
I guess overall not a good idea because, the tax will have to be reinstated and be a bit of sticker shock. it'll help some here in the states .. maybe about 18 cents per gallon but then it also takes away from the highway funds that repair the roads. not sure how much your fuel tax is in Canada
Eighteen cents, hell I watched gas price rise 30 cents in two days here in California. And it wasn't the taxes that went up. Why, was there a hurricane, did we start a new war? WHY? It wasn't even "DRIVING SEASON", it was early April. And I've heard economists tell us to expect $5.00 or more by next January. WHY?
The feul tax in Canada is about 1/3 of the price. I know for sure its more expensive in the USA...because my parents insist on filling up our car with gas when were in the USA, before going back into Canada, because its "cheaper" there.
The average combined state and federal gas tax is 47 cents per gallon. California I believe leads the country at 62.8 cents per gallon. Instead of holding out for governmental relief, I think the average American could provide themselves instant savings. Map out your necessary trips in your vehicle and try to streamline your routes. Organize a neighborhood carpool group for supermarket trips, etc.. If at all possible carpool with coworkers, spouses, neighbors, etc.. The idea is to trim your gasoline consumption as much as possible. For some people, every penny counts. Small percentages can add up to big numbers. There ARE ways we can help ourselves.
Almost forgot, about the tax relief, a suspension of the combined gas tax would provide (at this time) about a 12 pecent savings. While surely this would provide relief to some, I believe something like 60-70 percent goes to roadway maintenance. If that funding is taken away, it will have to come from somewhere else. I would rather see an increase in corporate tax or reduction in tax relief for the major oil companies. Again, I believe one of the best and immediate solutions is to minimize fuel use.
Yes but they are not talking about removing state taxes too, are they? I now drive only when absolutely necessary as are most of my friends.
