By: James Martin Published On: 6/22/2008 11:08:22 PM
Courtesy of Ward Armstrong :)
The (outdated) scuttlebutt is that the Republicans will introduce a version of the Regional Transportation Commisisions that are based in localities instead (and are controlled by locally ELECTED officials, which would hopefully make their plan at least constitutional this time).
Comments
...and then... (quietDem - 6/23/2008 12:28:56 AM)
the state senate will kill anything that isn't a gas tax increase, thus dooming the whole exercise to failure. The house won't raise the gas tax and Sens. Saslaw/Whipple/Deeds won't budge on anything but raising the gas tax... probably the least popular -- and regressive -- option they have.
Gas tax (TheGreenMiles - 6/23/2008 8:41:03 AM)
The gas tax, while not as equitable as income or payroll taxes, isn't as regressive as you'd think. Basically, a third of the lowest-income people don't own cars and are not directly affected by gas taxes at all. Taxes on food and housing tend to be the most regressive, with the sales tax not far behind.
I found Kaine's plan shrewd (FxbAmy - 6/23/2008 8:21:58 AM)
While the gas tax is the option that a lot of Dems are defaulting to, the Governor's proposal was based on measures introduced by the Speaker and voted on almost unanimously by Reps and Dems alike in HB3202. In the case of the grantor's tax, Kaine's rate is less than Howell's.
If new revenue streams are introduced, the Reps have cover to vote down the plan. By limiting to measures they all ready approved, the Rep wiggle room is a lot smaller.
Outside looking in, the Gov's plan appears a lot more viable.