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As gas prices plunge, gas taxes may rise
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Doodles | 12:42 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
There is another viable solution that would work in government, just like it
works in every family; become more efficient. With less money, and the same
projects wanting attention, I say the Department of Transportation has a great
opportunity to stringently review their normal road building and maintainence
practices.
How many jobs, at $30 an hour for holding a sign, could be cut to minimum wage for unskilled labor? How many trucks, heavy equipment, and operators sit idle part of the day when thay are paid to be working. It is always possible to do the same job for less with a good manager who is not stuck with the philisophy of "this is how we always do it."
Now is a good time for government offices and departments to take the same steps everyone else is taking towards efficiency, flexibility, economy, and moderation. I believe that 25% or more could be trimmed from every project by careful planning, careful expenditure, and careful evaluation.
Instead of throwing out the words, "tax increases" and "project cuts" we would do well to remember "thrift," "industry," and "proper accounting for monies spent."
Million$ are lost between the taxpayer and each finished project.
How many jobs, at $30 an hour for holding a sign, could be cut to minimum wage for unskilled labor? How many trucks, heavy equipment, and operators sit idle part of the day when thay are paid to be working. It is always possible to do the same job for less with a good manager who is not stuck with the philisophy of "this is how we always do it."
Now is a good time for government offices and departments to take the same steps everyone else is taking towards efficiency, flexibility, economy, and moderation. I believe that 25% or more could be trimmed from every project by careful planning, careful expenditure, and careful evaluation.
Instead of throwing out the words, "tax increases" and "project cuts" we would do well to remember "thrift," "industry," and "proper accounting for monies spent."
Million$ are lost between the taxpayer and each finished project.
Scott Anderson | 12:49 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
The government needs to learn to do with what they have. We are all taxed way
too much and I have to cut my budget so they can too. No new taxes! I am so
very tired of taxes going up and they very rarely come down. Please no new
taxes. Udot cant always have what they want. Just like I cant always have what
I want. People who are in favor are not really thinking the issue through. So
every time a new tax is proposed we are supposed to be happy and go along with
it? Where does it end?
Comments continue below
IN FAVOR of RAISING GAS TAX | 2:00 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
For those of you that will hurt, maybe you should stop buying games, DVDs and
such and then you'll have enough for food and the couple of bucks extra
you'll pay for this tax.
Oh, and if you weren't crunched to the limit with all your crap purchases on your credit card from the last several years, you'd likely not complain about a few dollars to fund our light rail and mass transit projects. In the end, it's for the best and will save all of us more eventually.
May be you're not into the long term view, eh? I guess I'll see you pull up to the Food Bank in your SUV wondering why life is so tough. *Sniff*
Oh, and if you weren't crunched to the limit with all your crap purchases on your credit card from the last several years, you'd likely not complain about a few dollars to fund our light rail and mass transit projects. In the end, it's for the best and will save all of us more eventually.
May be you're not into the long term view, eh? I guess I'll see you pull up to the Food Bank in your SUV wondering why life is so tough. *Sniff*
GD | 2:29 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Remember who controls the legislature. Republicans love to tax and spend!
W. Berge | 2:59 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Gas taxes,like food taxes, affect poor people disproportioally. Not only that
the families in rural UT have to drive more miles than those on the Wasatch
Front. And they have no access to public transportation. So just when they are
having a hard time because fuel prices rise tehy will also be hit with a higher
tax. WHO SAYs THIS IS THE BEST TAX?
Claude | 3:05 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
First, we wanted a total repeal of the food tax and all we got was half of what
we wanted because the state senate KNEW better than the people. Utah is one of
only a handful of states that still tax food. Now, we have the Governor and the
Senate President elect in favor of raising taxes on gas that will affect
everyone. This will affect the poor more than the rich. We really need to
raise wages significantly something that has not been done for well over 15
years. Inflation has far outstripped our buying and our ability to manage
various increases in services. There is a divide that is occurring within our
society and it is growing every day. The poor are getting poorer and the rich
are getting richer. Enough is enough when it comes to taxes. Stop raising
taxes or you will see an exodus of people to other states where the cost of
living will be cheaper. I, for one, will be happy when my family and I no
longer have to deal with the idiotiacy that masquerades as government here in
Utah and can deal with more sane government.
I agree | 3:13 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I think they should think about those of us who struggle to buy food, and for
once are so excited that we can buy fresh vegetables for once because gas
finally dropped. They should consider that while they sit in their amazingly
comfortable homes eating all sorts of food they want. Some of us are struggling.
Please give us the opportunity to build up some sort of savings in light of the
new gas prices before you start jacking up prices again. I'm sick of the
games. Learn to spend better and leave us alone.
arc | 4:17 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Bad idea. If gas prices go up, we will pay even more tax. As it is, we have a
larger percentage of the money going to taxes. If anything, we should now buy
more gas and they get more tax.
LEAVE IT alone.
LEAVE IT alone.
Scott | 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Hunstman, you are on your way out of office, if you keep this up. We won't
forgive your insensitivity to the people during hard times. Just because it
doesn't affect you, doesn't mean raising taxes is OK. IT isn't.
Utah already taxes us to death.
BG | 5:57 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
Why do we keep electing politicians who want to hurt the average citizen? Low
and middle income families are struggling to meet financial obligations. The
reduction in gas prices, although temporary, has helped these financially
strapped families. Why take away the one break they are getting?
A novel idea | 6:58 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I agree with most of the posts. I believe that government is not responsible at
all with our tax money. I believe that if government really wanted to persue
these road projects, they could do it without having to raise taxes.
Ok, here's my idea. If the government is going to raise taxes on gas, and we know that gas prices are not going to stay low (thanks to OPEC cutting supply), then why don't we CUT BACK ON OUR FUEL CONSUMPTION!!!
What better than to park the gas guzzling monster truck/suv/hummer and hitch a ride on public transportation and stick it to the man!! I realize that many of you will say that you just can't. But if we want to shoot this idea down, simply cut back on your fuel consumption.
Ok, here's my idea. If the government is going to raise taxes on gas, and we know that gas prices are not going to stay low (thanks to OPEC cutting supply), then why don't we CUT BACK ON OUR FUEL CONSUMPTION!!!
What better than to park the gas guzzling monster truck/suv/hummer and hitch a ride on public transportation and stick it to the man!! I realize that many of you will say that you just can't. But if we want to shoot this idea down, simply cut back on your fuel consumption.
re: doodles | 7:01 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
I agree 100%. I am a college student and a couple of summers ago I worked a job
with the health department. After working several years in the private sector I
was appauled by the wastefulness of funds and people. Instead of hiring the
minimum amount of workers to do the job, they hired way too many people, had
each of them driving their own vehicles, and there was a lot of wasted time
"talking around the water cooler"
Calm down and think! | 8:12 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
You're about to see a budget-slashing legislative session like no other.
Programs you actually care about are going to get whacked hard.
As long as Utahns continue to breed like rabbits, there's going to be a need for significant infrastructure growth to support them. That means new roads need to be built and existing roads need more maintenance. That takes money.
"Bravo" to us all for using less gasoline lately. It's a trend that should continue. The downside is that because of this funds to maintain roads are reduced.
We're paying HALF for gas what we were just a couple of months ago. That's lovely, but it also means that we can add a small amount to the gas tax to fund road maintenance and construction, while at the same time leaving us with relatively cheap gas.
I'm all in favor of increasing the gas tax. It's the only rational thing to do.
Programs you actually care about are going to get whacked hard.
As long as Utahns continue to breed like rabbits, there's going to be a need for significant infrastructure growth to support them. That means new roads need to be built and existing roads need more maintenance. That takes money.
"Bravo" to us all for using less gasoline lately. It's a trend that should continue. The downside is that because of this funds to maintain roads are reduced.
We're paying HALF for gas what we were just a couple of months ago. That's lovely, but it also means that we can add a small amount to the gas tax to fund road maintenance and construction, while at the same time leaving us with relatively cheap gas.
I'm all in favor of increasing the gas tax. It's the only rational thing to do.
Anonymous | 9:52 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
"How many jobs, at $30 an hour for holding a sign, could be cut to minimum
wage for unskilled labor?"
Then, Utah has one more wage slave who can't buy a home, new cars or pay to ski.
That's great for the economy
Then, Utah has one more wage slave who can't buy a home, new cars or pay to ski.
That's great for the economy
That's what you get! | 11:38 p.m. Nov. 29, 2008
This is what happens, people, when you vote in a "RINO" who has never
worked a regular job in his life. John Huntsman is a tax and spend liberal!
Look at UTA | 12:13 a.m. Nov. 30, 2008
UTA raised rates when gas prices were through the roof. The said that it was
only to help deal with the high cost of fuel and that if prices went lower, the
rates would too. Does anyone know if they cut their rates? I doubt it. If
they raise taxes now, they will never cut them. Money is like crack to a
politician.
Anonymous | 12:35 a.m. Nov. 30, 2008
That's what you get! | 11:38 p.m Is Bush a liberal too? John Huntsman
raised property taxes in a declining market? If there won't liberals you
might have to see who you really are.
You Can | 4:30 a.m. Nov. 30, 2008
and you did not VOTE these people out
This is the part of Judicial Idiots in charge.
Huntsman, What seems to be the rush?
It seems to be a race to get all this work done
I too am sick of Utah
A Stare full of liars and cheats
The Cities have to much money
Much of these improvements should be done by the PRIVATE end
Not the peoples taxes
We do not Elect a Mayor and City Council to Legislate
The PROBLEM is they become a threat to the PEOPLE that ELECTED them to care for the City needs
Not make a matropolis!
This is the part of Judicial Idiots in charge.
Huntsman, What seems to be the rush?
It seems to be a race to get all this work done
I too am sick of Utah
A Stare full of liars and cheats
The Cities have to much money
Much of these improvements should be done by the PRIVATE end
Not the peoples taxes
We do not Elect a Mayor and City Council to Legislate
The PROBLEM is they become a threat to the PEOPLE that ELECTED them to care for the City needs
Not make a matropolis!
use gas tax for roads | 7:04 a.m. Nov. 30, 2008
The poster who drew our attention to the diversion of gas taxes into the general
fund makes a great point.
If gas tax was all used for repair of the roads and construction of same it would be a user tax and a sound one if wisely applied for its original purpose.
Since it is not there is no excuse for increasing it as being insufficient for the purpose. It's just another back door attempt to increase taxes on the backs of the people. The people's money is then transferred to politicians, bureaucrats, and other undeserving people. Tax and spend is essentially the secret motto of both republicans and democrats.
If gas tax was all used for repair of the roads and construction of same it would be a user tax and a sound one if wisely applied for its original purpose.
Since it is not there is no excuse for increasing it as being insufficient for the purpose. It's just another back door attempt to increase taxes on the backs of the people. The people's money is then transferred to politicians, bureaucrats, and other undeserving people. Tax and spend is essentially the secret motto of both republicans and democrats.
No more taxes!!!! | 7:56 a.m. Dec. 1, 2008
Why were they not talking taxes before November. Gee I wonder why? could it be
that the Gov and Sen. Waddoups just got elected for 4 year terms. Just thinking.
Inflation | 2:26 p.m. Dec. 1, 2008
The gas tax was increased to 24.5 cents/gal in 1997. Due to inflation, the
purchasing power of that money has gone down. Why aren't we all excited
that we are getting a tax cut every year?
To keep pace with inflation the tax needs to be a percentage. That way when prices climb the state can still purchase the same amount of road for the money.
To keep pace with inflation the tax needs to be a percentage. That way when prices climb the state can still purchase the same amount of road for the money.
Llama | 3:31 p.m. Dec. 1, 2008
Ok, let's do the tax change but use it to improve the public
transportation!! We need to get cars off the road. I-15 is full of cars with
just one person per car. That is crazy.
Wylde Hare | 5:12 p.m. Jan. 21, 2009
Here is a thought...
Instead of raising the tax on gas, why doesn't the Utah government LIVE WITHIN ITS MEANS!?
Just like they are telling us to do.
Cut out the frills, re-negotitate the contrats with the unions etc. etc...
If they must impose a tax on somebody, how about we impose a "use" tax on all of the Hollywood moron's flying in for the Sundance Film Festival in their private jets...
Instead of raising the tax on gas, why doesn't the Utah government LIVE WITHIN ITS MEANS!?
Just like they are telling us to do.
Cut out the frills, re-negotitate the contrats with the unions etc. etc...
If they must impose a tax on somebody, how about we impose a "use" tax on all of the Hollywood moron's flying in for the Sundance Film Festival in their private jets...
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