Posted on 05/05/2011 5:42:55 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Obama floats plan to tax cars by the mile By Pete Kasperowicz - 05/05/11 07:45 AM ET
The Obama administration has floated a transportation authorization bill that would require the study and implementation of a plan to tax automobile drivers based on how many miles they drive.
The plan is a part of the administration's "Transportation Opportunities Act," an undated draft of which was obtained this week by Transportation Weekly.
This follows a March Congressional Budget Office report that supported the idea of taxing drivers based on miles driven.
Among other things, CBO suggested that a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax could be tracked by installing electronic equipment on each car to determine how many miles were driven; payment could take place electronically at filling stations.
The CBO report was requested by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND), who has proposed taxing cars by the mile as a way to increase federal highway revenues.
Obama's proposal seems to follow up on that idea in section 2218 of the draft bill. That section would create, within the Federal Highway Administration, a Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office. It would be tasked with creating a "study framework that defines the functionality of a mileage-based user fee system and other systems."
The administration seems to be aware of the need to prepare the public for what would likely be a controversial change to the way highway funds are collected. For example, the office is called on to serve a public relations function, as the draft says it should "increase public awareness regarding the need for an alternative funding source for surface transportation programs and provide information on possible approaches."
The draft bill says the "study framework" for the project and a public awareness communications plan should be established within two years of creating the office, and that field tests should begin within four years.
The office would be required to consider four factors in field trials: the capability of states to enforce payment, the reliability of technology, administrative costs, and "user acceptance." The draft does not specify where field trials should begin.
The new office would be funded a total of $200 million through FY 2017 for the project.
That’s what I’m curious about. How is the government going to come up with the equipment that will fit every make, model and year of vehicle on the road? How are they going to collect that data especially if you use a vehicle that isn’t electric and doesn’t fill up at a retail location?
Our Louisiana property is a mile from road, not to mention we drive around a bit once we get there.
You see this TAX will only hit millionaires and billionaires because by the time this TAX is passed the middle class will be out of work, living in surplus FEMA trailers, no longer be able to afford gasoline or food. Thanks Barry! You lying socialist bag of dog excrement.
Drive tax: all union workers, government workers, welfare recipients will be exempt..
The difference is that it is an additional tax. Above and beyond the Federal Gasoline Excise tax.
See. It's not "raising" taxes, it's an additional tax.
Thus, Zero gets to technically say that he kept his promise about not "raising taxes".
Putz.
I was hearing about some of this a couple weeks ago. The new Gang Of Six need to be neutered and shamed.
Its already made & it doesn’t matter what you drive or where you go.
Its called GPS and a simple GPS tracker will be fitted to your auto.
Now, how they COLLECT that data is another (valid) question...
You'd think so, but all these alternative fuel (hybrid, etc.) vehicles are being driven for miles and miles without contributing a dime of gasoline taxes. It's the law of unintended consequences.
They push and subsidize alternative fuel cars and the result is that there are less gas tax $$$ flowing to state and federal gubmints. As gas prices rise, more and more alternative fuel cars are going to be sold.
What such a tax also does is punish those folks in "fly over" country (who vote for conservatives, BTW) because unlike the Left Coast and jam-packed East Coast, the folks in the middle usually have to drive much further to get to work or for shopping, etc. They also do not have the benefit of public transportation.
This is DOA, IMO. Wouldn't even make it out of the House. It would be suicide for any Dem except those from urban areas to vote for it.
Muslims would get an exemption.
I think it’s about time to pass the LUTHA Act. Leave Us The Hell Alone. If the politicians won’t pass it, then we should.
Mike
Yeah....and we’ll term limit congressional terms to a certain number of words...they hit the limit...they’re outta there!!!
I am already taxed by the mile, it’s called a gasoline tax and I pay every time I buy gas.
Then all they need to do is tweak the tax so that “public” transportation is cheaper, and they are on their way to forcing us onto their choo-choo trains.
Muslims and Union members, most likely.
Dang, I sure am glad I held on to the buggy-whip stock.
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.