We now have local confirmation that the proposed gas tax "holiday" is not good policy. As if this state needs any additional harm given to its already under-equipped roads budget.
State Rep. Doug Ericksen (R-42nd) says:
"If they can eliminate the federal gas tax until Labor Day and still be able to reprioritize their budgeting and cover the cost of our current projects, I think it's a great idea," he said. "If they are going to get rid of the federal gas tax and simply borrow more money to make these payments, I don't think it's a good idea."
I think we all know which of those two scenarios would unfold, even if Congress had the gumption to pass the "holiday," which in and of itself seems far from certain.
Posted by Eric Earling at May 06, 2008 07:11 AM | Email ThisYour guy proposed it. You have to say it's a good idea whether it is or not.
Of course, Hillary thinks that the oil companies will foot the bill for the loss. Yeh, like that is going to happen. At least Obama has the common sense, especially after Illinios tried and and saw no difference in gas prices, to call it what it is. What gets me is why McCain is so gun ho for the idea?
Posted by: tc on May 6, 2008 07:10 AM
Nice try though.
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on May 6, 2008 08:01 AMLOL.
Posted by: Army Medic/Vet on May 6, 2008 08:04 AMA liberal would do the latter, much like cigarette or alcohol consumption - tax the evil gas consumption when demand is high to try to get less people to drive.
A conservative would look at it the other way - when the price is highest, reduce the tax to get more people to consume, when the price is lowest, tax a little more to make up for the revenues because the people are still willing to pay more.
Posted by: Doug on May 6, 2008 09:02 AMWho is this guy? He doesn't even pay attention in church, but yet he is crunching numbers for the State of Washington?
Posted by: swatter on May 6, 2008 09:16 AM
I own a farm for one of my businesses. I get the same domestic production tax credit that she wants to get rid of. That tax credit was created for the farmers of this country and when it ceases to exist sure the oil companies will get less money but the bulk of the money will come from the small and middle size farmers......nice.
That tax credit is tied directly to the amount of wages we pay our workers, would it have an impact on how much we pay and who we hire? I've only had to hire immigrant workers a couple times in the last 15 years, mostly I stick with citizens, but that could change.
Posted by: Doug on May 6, 2008 09:34 AM"What's a Berr Duff?" - Wiltz
That's what one drinks after going 'gun ho'.
Now, when there is a way to make it cheaper, they scream bloddy murder.
I'd like a WASHINGTON STATE gas tax holiday. I don't think pet massage is more important than transportation liek Gregoire does.
Posted by: pbj on May 6, 2008 10:50 AMI don't hear anyone screaming at all. We just think it's a dumb idea. So do virtually all of the economists.
But what do they know?
Really? Then I guess you just aren't listening.
Posted by: pbj on May 6, 2008 11:33 PM