More regressive taxes from Republican administration

[lutefisk]

Wisconsin Commission on Transportation Finance and Policy is releasing its report...

-an annual "fee" (tax) of $0.01 - $0.015 for every mile driven over 3,000 miles (possible cap at 20,000 miles)
-automobile "registration" (tax) would go up to $130/year

Just these two proposals could raise the annual registration fee in WI from $75 to $385 for each automobile. Add the increase in gas tax, driver license fee, etc and we have a pretty awesome regressive tax situation. This report comes out at the same time Walker is telling his subjects that his new tax plan will give them an extra $200/year.

I'm all for paying more for more social services, but in our failed state we will continue to pay more for less.

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/about/tfp/index.htm

[milwaukeelib33]

1. I actually feel compelled to support this

We tax many things for various reasons. One of those reasons is to hopefully decrease their use. Tobacco and alcohol immediately come to mind. Considering the damage done to the environment, waste of limited resources, and the wars we fight for the oil that fuels them, I think people will think twice about racking up a ton of miles in their inefficient person vehicles with these tax increases.

This could help turn the tide of public opinion in regards to mass transit. It may be a hardship for people living in communities with poor or no public transit options, but the reality is we have to do something- anything- about the culture of poisoning the Earth with exhaust emissions. Making it too costly to drive will cause outrage, and demands for better mass transit will have to finally be listened to.

Dumb repugs- too stupid to realize they're aiding progressive causes. Not to mention it's bound to piss off their teabagger supporters. Win-win IMO

[Scuba]

2. Find a better way. This lays much burden on the already-poor and little on the wealthy.

Why not license automobiles based on fuel efficiency and emissions?

Why not license limos at a higher rate than the ancient second car of a couple with five jobs trying to feed their kids?

This is Walker's way of making up corporate tax breaks. Why is he shifting these costs from corporate investors across the globe and onto the citizen taxpayers of Wisconsin?

[milwaukeelib33]

3. I understand it will hurt

It's not ideal, but one aspect of levying a tax is to discourage certain behaviors. We do it with tobacco and alcohol because it hurts one's heath and community. It's also well known that those taxes have a disproportionate effect the underclass but the trade-off is viewed as acceptable. I view this proposal as acceptable as well because something has to be done with the heath and environmental effects of massive burning of fossil fuel. We're killing ourselves through environmental destruction and climate change in a similar fashion to those who hurt themselves and others by tobacco and alcohol use. Mass transit is the answer and increasing the price of personal vehicle travel is the only way to prod people toward that end is the only option I'm afraid.

[Scuba]

4. We could prod folks towards mass transit if we had any, but Walker keeps killing it.

[SWTORFanatic]

7. You realize not everyone lives in the city where there is mass transit - more to the point even

if I did live in the city, I could not get to my job via mass transit. I live less than 10 minutes away from work so I do not use much in gas and yeah I think charging me an arm and a leg for registration of two vehicles (one for winter) is a bunch of BS.

[lutefisk]

5. If the massive increase in gas prices didn't...

...cause outrage and demands for better mass transit, I don't think this will do the trick. This is just another step in the redistribution of capital (in the wrong direction) in Wisconsin.

[milwaukeelib33]

6. I'm not so sure

Sure, people bitch and moan about what they pay at the pump, but I tend to think it's quickly forgotten similar to fluctuations of milk prices- the daily cost of living if you will.

As we all know, people bitch about property taxes far, far more. Why? It's a one time annual bill. It hit all at once and sticks out in the mind. So too is the annual vehicle registration fee.

And this isn't a small increase. Heck, I remember back when the fee was $25-$35. Now it's $75(plus $20 in the city of Milwaukee). It didn't just jump up to $75, it was $10 here and there over a few decades. This proposal is a big hike in comparison and IMO people will take notice. Combined with the mileage fee I think it would have a positive impact on changing our wasteful driving habits.

Doesn't matter anyway. I just saw on JSOnline the repugs say the recommendation is DOA. I suppose if the thugs are against it it must be a bad idea?

http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/state-panel-recommends-hikes-to-gas-tax-fees--republicans-balk-lo8ga9i-188069151.html