12PACK

"At stake is the fate of a state question intended to generate additional funds for building and rebuilding bridges and highways in Oklahoma. More specifically, the provision would establish a Bridge and Highway Trust Fund. If approved by voters, it would raise Oklahoma's gasoline tax by 5 cents per gallon, in addition to an 8-cent tax increase for diesel fuel for each gallon."

The vote is Sept 13. The article also addresses how to obtain an absentee ballot.

http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat....ews/news03.txt

infidel

Sort of bad timing asking to raise the price of fuel right now don't you think?

P.J

I was thinking more like States should rebate or temporaraly "repeal" if you will some of their fuel taxes. I know that Walmart has lowered it's earning projections (whaaa) and other retailers are feeling the sting of our crap economy, which I attribute mostly to fuel prices.

I like the referendum style votes, more power directly to the people is good.

12PACK

I bet we're not the only ones thinking that. Right now, OK charges $0.13 tax for diesel and $0.16 for gas on top of the fed tax. ($0.24?) It's not the state isn't getting any income from fuel sales.

12PACK

~ 15 years ago, the Mass legislature "temporarily" raised the state income tax from 5% to 5.3%. There was a referendum to return it back to 5% a few years ago, which passed. (surprise, surprise)

Guess what it is today? Yep, 5.3% as the legislature said the state couldn't afford it. Can you guess which political party controls the legislature? I bet you can. So much for referendums in Mass with so many ignorant voters.

P.J

I got one for you (sorry, not trying to hijack the thread)

In the early 90's Marylanders voted to NOT allow Law enofrcement to pull you over for not wearing your seatbelt. Not sure when they dumped on our vote, but now not only can they pull you over for not wearing it, they are now using night vision to peer into your car after dark to check!!?? (I wish I was joking).

Messed up, regardless of my opinion of seatbelt laws and weather you should be just fined as a senondary, non-moving violation. (I choose to wear mine, been known to wreck).

It's not funny, or cute when your rights get walked all over, it's scary what could be next?

Back to oringinal topic

infidel

Adding on 8¢ to the OK tax will bring it up to the level of most other state fuel taxes, most of which are over 20¢ right now.
Here's a list of states fuel taxes http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/motor_fl.html

This fact surely won't help a tax increase on the ballot though.

12PACK

I found that chart while I was googling for a chart that had state and federal combined. If this passes in OK, they'll be equal to us in MA @ $0.21. Somehow I don't think they'll jump at the chance to do so.

I hear you on the seatbelts, PJ. It's secondary here, but we wear them. It's hard to consider a choice a choice, when it's not respected.

This bill must have put into motion several months ago before the current escalation.

12valve@heart

When you consider what we pay to travel the toll roads here in Oklahoma (I'm sure that someone will post a link to a chart comparing OK to the rest of the nation. ), my personal opinion is that driving is already expensive enough. Yes, the roads are bad. The solution is not to raise taxes; it's for the legislature to be better managers of the tax money that we already pay. Add to that the fact that the legislature just addressed this issue and the whole thing is ridiculous. Here's a link to a local station's report on the issue and an excerpt below.

http://www.kotv.com/main/home/storie...age=1&id=88784

"Opponents of the higher fuel costs don't dispute Oklahoma's bridges being in bad shape. Instead, they argue taxing Oklahomans more at the pump doesn't make sense when the state legislature just passed a new "roads and bridges" bill aimed at adding millions for repairs. "

On a related issue, the schools are now worried that the high gas prices will kill their budgets for their bus routes. BOO HOOO!! I'm feeling the pinch as is everyone else who has to drive and it's affecting our budgets. I hope that they're forced to live within their budgets just like we are. Unfortunately, the legislature will probably give them an emergency appropriation if this keeps up. When will government learn to tighten their belts like we have to instead of just increasing taxes?!?!

Sorry for the rant. You can bet that I'll be voting on the 13th. I already have my absentee ballot.

DirtEater

I'm an Okie boy, transplanted to San Diego compliments of the USN, and I do know that OK enjoys some of the lowest priced fuel in the nation and it's been that way as long as I can remember. $3.29 here in SoCal right now!!!!

12valve@heart

Personally, I'd like to keep it that way although y'all are welcome to lower your prices and join us.