Reader comments
As gas prices plunge, gas taxes may rise
74 comments | Read story
Voting taxpayer | 6:42 p.m. Nov. 28, 2008
We have a rainy day fund that has alot of money in it. I am sick of politicians
not living within there means. We are all struggling and the petroleum companies
started this with massive increases in gasoline prices from greed. This
translated into minimal disposable income and then belt tightening that
constricted the whole economy. Now we are getting a reality check and the
goverment is wanting to raise taxes in a recession. What clueless wonder of a
pilitician thought this was a good idea? Use the rainy day fund or give us names
to vote them out of office - obviously they can not handle important
decisions!!!
MadMax | 10:59 p.m. Nov. 28, 2008
The stupidity never ceases to amaze me....
Once again we will be forced to choose between FOOD or FUEL.............
Once again we will be forced to choose between FOOD or FUEL.............
Minnesota Nice | 11:48 p.m. Nov. 28, 2008
My, My, the same idea is being floated around here in Minnesota. What a
coincidence. IS THERE NO WAY TO CUT SPENDING, AND PREVENT THE CONTINUAL TAX
INCREASES. Shame on you elected officials!
Comments continue below
CP | 2:58 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Boy, where isn't there a road construction project? For the last few months
I've had to take detour after detour to just get to my house! It's
stupid! And most of it so unnecessary! I'm sure they don't need to
increase the gas tax, they just don't like to see happy people finally
getting a break so they want to take what little we can pay for away! GREED!
ALWAYS GREED!
Utah's greedy government | 3:19 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Not only do we in Utah have to deal with a recession, devaluation of the dollar,
paying for and supporting the hundreds of thousand illegal aliens, we also have
to contend with a government that doesn't know how to budget. Perhaps the
government should go to the illegal aliens and their employers (many are part of
our elected representatives in government) and ask them for some tax support? If
the illegals and their employers paid income taxes, medicare taxes, medicaid
taxes, maybe our economy would be able to work within its budget. Now is not a
time to raise taxes regardless of the roads and government needs. Every citizen
of the U.S. is in the same boat and just trying to survive the recession. The
last thing we need to worry about is government greed and roads. No matter how
tax is determined, it is never enough and with this method would create an
unstable tax base. Government, like everyone else, should and must learn to live
within their means and what the economy can bear. What they should be discussing
is returning to spending and budgeting with what they get without borrowing,
bonding, etc.
Legislator Pay | 4:59 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I'd be okay with another special session if the Legislature would not pay
themselves for the extra days in session. Each legislator makes roughly $150 a
day while in session (not counting per diem and travel expenses). This
translates to about $5000 + benefits for 45 days while in regular session. And
they always vote themselves an increase. So I'll be behind a special
session when they agree to forgo pay for those days. We had a chance to vote
'em out and Utah sheep drank the kool aid and voted darn near all of them
back in..."we get the government we deserve".
Adrenals | 5:31 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
We're making less money, and yet supposedly want more taxes? I don't
think so. Yes, we understand that our transportation systems are severely
burdened, but no, we don't want to pay for more systems and services that
we cannot afford.
Glad to be leaving utah | 6:26 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
People wonder why I don't vote anymore. I'm sick and tired of voting
for city and goverment politicians that promise this and promise that. The ONLY
thing they can do is LIE just to get the votes. Leave it to utah to find a way
to steal some more from us. I was born and raised in utah and I'm so glad
to be leaving it!!!!! HEAVEN FORBID IF THESE PEOPLE EVER TAKE A CUT IN THEIR
PAY HOW WILL THEY EVER LIVE????
Are They Nuts | 6:48 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Don't stand by and watch this happen folks, make sure your voice is heard
loud and clear. These lawmakers need to listen to the voters and when they
don't then they need to see the voters on capital hill.
Organize with protests that this state has never seen before. Its time that we the public, the common Joe get a break from government as well as the oil industry. Huntsman must be out of his mind if he thinks that masking a hike on gas tax will fly at this time.
We voted you in and we can vote you OUT!
Organize with protests that this state has never seen before. Its time that we the public, the common Joe get a break from government as well as the oil industry. Huntsman must be out of his mind if he thinks that masking a hike on gas tax will fly at this time.
We voted you in and we can vote you OUT!
Mark | 6:49 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Quit complaining! We have a mandate here in Utah. The important thing is we grow
as a state by attracting more business. We have one of the lowest property tax
rates in the country. We need you to pay more when you drive. The extra few
dollars you pay at the pump will offset the tax incentives we give new business.
Besides, a few dollars more a month is no big deal to those of us that are
responsible with our finances. Our leaders here do a great job protecting our
values. To say you want to vote out our leaders is unamerican.
Vote them out | 7:47 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Didn't they raise the sales tax a little while ago for this same purpose?
Now they want to raise taxes again. Every single one of those clowns up on the
hill that think we need to do this need to step down and leave.
Anonymous | 8:01 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Instead of raising gas taxes, the Legislature should implement congestion
pricing instead. This is a more cost-effective approach to addressing traffic
concerns.
BellaMia | 8:01 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Near here in Philly the city is closing pools and libraries. Heaven forbid that
they dump some do-nothing bureaucrat.
To rase taxes in hard times is ABUSE of the taxpayer - abuse of children, abuse of families, abuse of businesses.
To rase taxes in hard times is ABUSE of the taxpayer - abuse of children, abuse of families, abuse of businesses.
What next ? | 8:03 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
The state gets it's 24.5 cents a gallon regardless if the price is 50 cents
a gallon or 5 bucks a gallon. If they go to a percentage, that's just
another way to raise the prices even higher when gas prices jump again just
before Memorial Day. There's always somebody trying to be creative to gouge
us more with taxes. What next?
same old | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
It's amazing how politicians always seem to tout growth as a solution to
our finaces. Well the state has had tremendous growth, why the tax increases? If
business & job growth were the panacea that government wants us to believe,
there should be a long term trend towards lower tax rates. The dirty little
secret is that growth almost never pays for itself in the long term.
Really | 8:09 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I could just SCREAM, the bone heads we have making this type of statement, this
time of year, Huntsman and capital hill must be smoking something.
I think we need to get the CHURCH involved in this one, they can control what happens in California, maybe they can help here in UTAH.
I think we need to get the CHURCH involved in this one, they can control what happens in California, maybe they can help here in UTAH.
Mahershalalhashbaz | 8:13 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Well here's some names for people to vote out of office. Just the
suggestion of raising taxes should be good enough. You're fired-because
you are dumb. Quite simple. If you want to run for office you remember these
names, make a note of these politicians, find out if the guy you are going to
run against votes for an increase, and it should be a peace of cake to beat him
when the economy gets even worse because of bozos like these. BTW-you only
have to work a little over a month in the house or senate to get full insurance
for a whole year! There should be more competition for these politicians jobs
now that the economy is slowing down. That's one good thing about a down
economy.
Kirk R. | 8:14 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Interesting that these elected officials didn't announce their tax hike
plans prior to the elections in November . . .gee I wonder why?
MarkS | 8:22 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Politicians couldn't quite bring themselves to temporarily lower gas taxes
when they were so high this summer, but now they are low, oh let's add
taxes.
My ah ha moment with government and taxes came in 1974, during the oil embargo, soaring prices, and apparent limits in gas availability. President Ford proposed a 10 cent gas tax increase, to encourage conservation and reduce gas usage. On the same day, Gov. Rampton of Utah proposed a 5 cent state gas tax increase, to recover money being lost because gas usage and therefor tax revenues were down.
They were getting us coming and going--the same looks true here.
My ah ha moment with government and taxes came in 1974, during the oil embargo, soaring prices, and apparent limits in gas availability. President Ford proposed a 10 cent gas tax increase, to encourage conservation and reduce gas usage. On the same day, Gov. Rampton of Utah proposed a 5 cent state gas tax increase, to recover money being lost because gas usage and therefor tax revenues were down.
They were getting us coming and going--the same looks true here.
Huntsman is a Republican? | 8:22 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
NO! He is not! How did he get re-elected? Oh that's right, his
Daddy's name is on the basketball court at the U, he's Mormon, and he
claims to be a Republican. This is ridiculous. When pressed for a budget cut,
I bet you he cuts education again. He's ruining our state!
Gas prices will go up | 8:25 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Gas prices will skyrocket again. Just wait and see. OPEC is determined to cut
production. Then this new tax will really, really hurt if it is a percentage
rate. If they need more gas taxes, increase the cents per gallon.
For the person who thinks there are tons of money in the Rainy Day Fund: $400 million dollars is a small pittance of money that would hardly cover many road projects let alone all of the other state obligations. Over the last several years, the state has given billions of dollars in tax cuts to primarily business, corporations, and the wealthy. Along with the 5% flat tax rate (which has caused most of the budget shortfall), the deep tax cuts went too far and more of the money should have been placed in rainy day funds instead. There is no reason why we shouldn't have 2 billion in the rainy day fund versus 400 million.
For the person who thinks there are tons of money in the Rainy Day Fund: $400 million dollars is a small pittance of money that would hardly cover many road projects let alone all of the other state obligations. Over the last several years, the state has given billions of dollars in tax cuts to primarily business, corporations, and the wealthy. Along with the 5% flat tax rate (which has caused most of the budget shortfall), the deep tax cuts went too far and more of the money should have been placed in rainy day funds instead. There is no reason why we shouldn't have 2 billion in the rainy day fund versus 400 million.
itsjustme | 8:26 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
If the state were to stop putting the gas tax monies into the general fund, we
would have more than enough to pay for road maintenance and increased road
building.
Just like the Federal Government, our wonderful state leaders have learned that you can spend money that isn't there. Then they go to the taxpayers and demand more.
We have to live within our means. Governments should do the same.
Just like the Federal Government, our wonderful state leaders have learned that you can spend money that isn't there. Then they go to the taxpayers and demand more.
We have to live within our means. Governments should do the same.
Bill | 8:27 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
In times of financial recession, I thought the cure was to REDUCE taxes and
ENCOURAGE spending. Looks like Waddoups is fouling things up again, and
billionaire Huntsman is going along for the ride.
Governor Hunstman | 8:29 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
will never be a good public servant, I do not understand why people elect a
governor that has always had everything just handed to him and has not had to
work for anything in his life. He doesn't know what it feels like to be an
ordinary person trying to make it in this world. Why on earth would you raise
taxes in a recession, where did he go to school? He is a little baby that needs
a lesson in economics 101. He should step down as Governor and let someone else
who understands the economy and the people who live in it
His ignorance never ceases to amaze me
His ignorance never ceases to amaze me
Repel former Tax Cuts | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
A simple solution in Utah is for the legislature to admit they were wrong and
short sighted in providing the tax cuts over the last two years. Repel those and
the state should be good to go. Funny how the legislature calls for the cuts so
in this case the Department of Transportation makes the calls, cuts some major
projects and now the legislature wants the projects back as will the people when
they realize they are looking at an additional 1 hour commute within the next 3
to 5 years from Utah county to SL county. So people, decide, do you want
services or do you want lower taxes? One solution would be toll lanes on the
freeways like they do back east (or the new freeway is a toll road). If you want
to use it to save time, you pay for it. Runs counter to our Western we can do
what we want attitude, but in someway the time to pay the piper is coming. How
do you want to pay since not paying isn't the answer? You can't have
something for free.
JER | 8:38 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
The Gov comes up with a Flat Tax that is going to hurt the little man and single
tax payer and now he wants to tax us even more? We know he understands the
little people of his state. Keep them in poverty and you have control. Single
is only young people but elderly folk also on limited incomes - no thanks to the
Gov on his idea of serving the people of Utah. He can smile pretty though for
the photo opps
NO! | 8:40 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
No. No. No. No! They did this the last time gas prices steeply dropped. Are they
nuts?! These prices aren't going to stay down, they're gong to rise
higher than they ever have been. NO MORE TAXES. Figure out how to make it work
like the rest of us have to.
J | 8:44 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
No,No,No. If the politicians want increase spending to one sector they can take
the money from somewhere else in the budget. That's the way we Americans
budget in our households.
The Beauty of Socialism | 9:08 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
We deserve this. We over-whelmingly voted for it (I did not personally). You
knew he was a billionare socialist by his in actions in his first term
(unlimited increses in spending to use up ALL of the states massive budget
surplus).
Now we get to live with it. Working, freedom loving people lamment. Lazy, deadbeat beggars rejoice!
Bigger government, higher taxes, less phantom global warming and economic prosperity. That's King John's platform.
Now we get to live with it. Working, freedom loving people lamment. Lazy, deadbeat beggars rejoice!
Bigger government, higher taxes, less phantom global warming and economic prosperity. That's King John's platform.
What? | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Just wait and lets see what the federal Govt. does this next year with
infrastructure investment. We don't need too panic right now, after all we
do have a rainy day fund, and it is RAINING right now. Once tax increases are
put on they never leave and this state tax's heavier than almost all of the
other states. We don't need any more Bush wacking. Vote for this
legislators and you will be voting yourself out of office.
A Taylor | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
"A lot of us will say we don't want it," Waddoups said. "But
when we see the ramifications, it might be different."
The poor economy not only has an effect on the ordinary man and woman, but on state and city budgets. If we don't want the taxes, then we have to realize the consequences -- transportation services cut that perhaps we have previously found beneficial. We may not like the detours we have to take during construction projects, but they could be saving us from traffic congestion problems that would take us twice as long (or longer) if nothing had been done.
The poor economy not only has an effect on the ordinary man and woman, but on state and city budgets. If we don't want the taxes, then we have to realize the consequences -- transportation services cut that perhaps we have previously found beneficial. We may not like the detours we have to take during construction projects, but they could be saving us from traffic congestion problems that would take us twice as long (or longer) if nothing had been done.
MIdvale | 9:42 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Why don't we learn to say no?
Cut the spending and live with in our means. No more Taxes!
Cut the spending and live with in our means. No more Taxes!
ernest Hemple | 9:49 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Taking names and working against anyone's re-election who raises taxes in
this climate.
No! | 9:54 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
No more taxes! Live within your means. Try it, it works.
We need to lower the tax burden and cut government services!
We need to lower the tax burden and cut government services!
Ernest T. Bass | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Why is it that utah republicans want their base to believe how well they run the
State?
Why do they want us to believe it's only dems how tax and spend?
The fact is, Utah is one of the top 5 most taxed States in the US, and with a legislature and State government dominated by republicans it's not hard to figure out who really is the party of tax and spend.
Why do they want us to believe it's only dems how tax and spend?
The fact is, Utah is one of the top 5 most taxed States in the US, and with a legislature and State government dominated by republicans it's not hard to figure out who really is the party of tax and spend.
Another Terrible Huntsman Idea | 10:06 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
For all the people that voted for Huntsman please remember next time you are in
the voting booth that Huntsman was behind the school vouchers and now raising
the gas tax. What a terrible idea to raise taxes on gas during a recession. IF
anything the government should be looking to cut taxes and programs in Utah
whenever possible, instead of raising taxes and cutting education!
SF66 | 10:09 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Yes, we need gas taxes for building light rail, improving roads which have
deteriorated, and for getting people OUT of their cars, for heaven's sake!
Oil prices will go up again--there just isn't enough oil and gas for the
21st century. Time to think ahead 50 years. Public transportation needs real
improvement in the West. We need alternative energy cars. High prices on gas
will encourage creative thinking about how to get to work each day.
Murray | 10:22 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
When asked by my children about taxes I have always told them that the gas taxes
(consumption) are the fairest there were since we are taxed directly on the
amount we purchase. I told them property taxes are the least fair, since many
retired folks are taxed on an artificial (until sold) amount, sometimes taxing
them out of their lifelong homes. Behind that income taxes are repressive too.
Sales taxes are a bit better. Now if I were to close my eyes and guess what
political party the governor Huntsman is I would probably guess wrong. I think
the Salt Lake County Mayor should be our next governor. Let's not change
the most fair tax there is!
P.R.C. | 10:34 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Utah is the last in the nation (by far) to lower the gas prices to their current
levels and know our idiot polititions want to raise the tax? If this happens I
hope that the people of utah will vote against every man or woman who votes for
this tax to rise. Time to get these greedy, money grubbing jerks out of office
and back to a real job on the streets where they can appreciate what the working
man goes through in this state. As far as I'm concerned all the politions
in this state are lazy bums and need a wake up call. Stop stealing from the
taxpayers of this state, get off your dead butts and make a real difference.
Taxes | 10:39 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
No one likes taxes, and there seem to be a lot of knee-jerk comments above
offering no solution to the problem. The fact is, there are more cars which are
more fuel efficient and becoming more so, along with increased traffic
congestion. (fewer gallons per mile) There are only two ways to pay for new
roads and maintenance on what we have, increase gasoline tax, or toll roads.
Take your pick. I hate toll roads.
Then again with the arrival of plug-in electric cars in the next few years toll roads may be the only alternative.
Then again with the arrival of plug-in electric cars in the next few years toll roads may be the only alternative.
Isaiah | 10:52 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor?
Robin | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Utah learned that by keeping the high gas prices at $4.00 per gallon the people
would pay and they don't have to change their Republican theory of TAX
& HOARD for our special interests. Who said Democrates were socialists? Was
it was Orin Hatch or Cris Butters. Wake up Utah.
Joshua | 11:05 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
"...ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch
not the burdens with one of your fingers."
Peter | 11:07 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Sick and tired for those ignorant politician to raise taxes to continue
themselves to have job security.
Those guys should be taken to court and be in prison as well.
Those guys should be taken to court and be in prison as well.
Khan Ishiro | 11:10 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Here's how Johnny Boy Huntsy and people like Spit Waddoups see things: The
economy is bad because people have less money to spend thus we can't afford
the road projects right now. So, let's tax gas and put another cost of
living increase on the public so they continue to lose faith in the
economy/government and continue to not spend money. Although we might get the
road projects underway the economy will then be worse because the public will
have less money to pump back into our businesses. GOOD JOB capital hill
superheroes!
A lot of money | 11:13 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Why don't our politicians donate their campaign contribution war chests
to highway projects? They are just the result of bribery from the special
interest groups so we all benefit. That way EnergySolutions and the payday loan
outlets can get involved in helping Utah.
Conserve | 11:36 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
A few years ago the water company told everyone to "conserve water" or
go without. So the people did, then the water company wasn't making as much
money as they needed so they raised the price of water.
They all live by double standards. I say vote them all out as well, starting with the judges we have.
They all live by double standards. I say vote them all out as well, starting with the judges we have.
Conserve2 | 11:46 a.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I guess that not having our state employees work on Fridays is working too good
at conserving energy and gas. Maybe we should go to 6 hours a day 6 days a week
to make them drive to work 6 times, that will get the gas consumption going
again.
Anonymous | 12:07 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Between this and the flat tax, Utahans will still say it's tax and spend
democrats.
Housewife | 12:15 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I am completely in favor of raising gas taxes.
Any tax placed on a good falls on both the seller of the good and the buyer. The sellers can either lower their prices so that buyers can afford to buy gasoline (therefore, they are essentially paying the tax) or they sell less gasoline and lose money. Who wouldn't want big oil companies or foreign suppliers to help to pay this tax?
The real costs associated with using gasoline (e.g. pollution) are not reflected in its price. Users of gasoline (myself included) need to pay society for those costs.
Raising prices of gasoline will encourage the adoption of other means of producing energy. When the true costs of using gasoline are reflected in the price, consumers will reduce consumption or switch to alternative means of fuel. There will be no need for the government to pay for subsidies for clean energy. The market will take care of the problem. In the long-run, the U.S. will more self-sufficient if we can use alternative sources of fuel.
Economists on both sides of the political spectrum are in favor of higher gas taxes. Of all taxes, this is one of the best.
Any tax placed on a good falls on both the seller of the good and the buyer. The sellers can either lower their prices so that buyers can afford to buy gasoline (therefore, they are essentially paying the tax) or they sell less gasoline and lose money. Who wouldn't want big oil companies or foreign suppliers to help to pay this tax?
The real costs associated with using gasoline (e.g. pollution) are not reflected in its price. Users of gasoline (myself included) need to pay society for those costs.
Raising prices of gasoline will encourage the adoption of other means of producing energy. When the true costs of using gasoline are reflected in the price, consumers will reduce consumption or switch to alternative means of fuel. There will be no need for the government to pay for subsidies for clean energy. The market will take care of the problem. In the long-run, the U.S. will more self-sufficient if we can use alternative sources of fuel.
Economists on both sides of the political spectrum are in favor of higher gas taxes. Of all taxes, this is one of the best.
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Related content
- Sponsor for gay-rights bills found 9:53 a.m.
- Aggies beat Spartans in snowy Logan 4:31 a.m.
- TCU 55, Utah 28 4:24 a.m.
- BYU 24, New Mexico 19 4:21 a.m.
- Jazz game at a glance 3:00 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake: Game at a glance 3:00 a.m.
- Stanford ends Y's soccer season 2:20 a.m.
- Jazz hope D-Will returns soon 2:19 a.m.
- Snow, SUU lose 2:18 a.m.
- Toone saves day for Wildcats 2:15 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
358 - BYU happy to escape with victory205
- Editorial: Mormons and gay rights200
- TCU creams U.155
- Will state consider gay rights law?148
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?130
- Letters: Strange breed in Utah129
- Utes remain silent about BCS120
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges106
- Celtics crush Jazz104
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
Advertisement
Latest comments
As a voter I shall be happy to 'restore' my State legislators to civilian...
Wgen I hear about these snowy roads etc. I'm so happy to live in Arizona. We...
HOORAY FOR RSL!!!! At least they're a more positive Utah sports story coming...
Faith supported by reason (objective factual evidence) is simply reason,...
There is no such thing as a free market in the real world. Unscrupulous...
Another game for the good ole' Jazz to learn from so they can win more games...
This isn't horseshoes and almost doesn't count. You don't win because you...
Not attempting to change his stripes. Only trying to camouflage them. He's...
Good game, Man!
Well, Life goes on for both U Of U fans and BYU fans as far as recent TCU...
Advertisements