Gas prices

[Green RT]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

The high prices are the only thing that will ever convince people to buy, and therefore manufacturers to make, small efficient cars. It is the only thing that will get single passenger drivers to consider public transit.

 

Now I will get really unpopular. I think there should be taxes that keep the gas price high. The income from the tax should go to low income people who have to drive to get to work so that they aren't punished. I have no idea how this would be administered but since it is so unlikely, I'm not losing sleep over implementation.

 

Let the flames begin...

[John Ranalletta]

So, the Boston-based, Car Talk socialists are broadcast in Mexico, too?

 

Before sending more money to Washington, DC to be spent by our Congress, please give us your opinion of how well they look after the money we already send them.

 

You can use a scale of 1 to 10 with 1=they might as well burn it to 10=they care for our money as if it was their own.

 

 

[Green RT]

You can use a scale of 1 to 10 with 1=they might as well burn it to 10=they care for our money as if it was their own.

 

I will plead conflict of interest. I worked for a city government briefly, a state government briefly, a regional government briefly, and the Federal Government for 30+ years. Now I am in the Peace Corps. I wasn't very impressed with the local governments, but I was with the Federal employees I worked with. They worked hard and did a good job.

[Ken H.]

You’re right, you probably will get flamed!

 

But I for one, at least in part, agree with you. US$4 a gallon at least finally created some awareness of how stupid we have been in our vehicle ways. But now, if it wasn’t for the current worldwide economic crises, with gasoline back down, SUVs would probably be flying off the lots again. And we would be right back with our heads in the sand.

 

Now ISFA propping prices up with additional taxes, I don’t know, right now I’m so discussed with economic policies, I can’t think about the subject of fuel taxes straight.

 

[steve.foote]

I think it's a great idea. In fact, we should all put all of our wealth in to a great big cookie jar and then give everyone an equal share of it.

[ltljohn]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

The high prices are the only thing that will ever convince people to buy, and therefore manufacturers to make, small efficient cars. It is the only thing that will get single passenger drivers to consider public transit.

What About all of us that live in suburban areas with no public transportation available, another tax to develop some?

Now I will get really unpopular. I think there should be taxes that keep the gas price high. The income from the tax should go to low income people who have to drive to get to work so that they aren't punished. They will also have less incentive to do more to improve their own situation.

I have no idea how this would be administered but since it is so unlikely, I'm not losing sleep over implementation.

 

 

 

Let the flames begin...

[Shaman97]

I think you're right on.

 

The pressure to produce fuel efficient cars and alternative energy sources needs to be kept up.

 

In Cali they haven't raised fuel taxes for a long time, and our roads show it. If they were to raise the gas tax a nickel to a dime per gallon, it would go a long way in repairing the roads. And the amount per gallon is about what we see weekly in price fluctuations anyway.

[ltljohn]

You can use a scale of 1 to 10 with 1=they might as well burn it to 10=they care for our money as if it was their own.

 

I will plead conflict of interest. I worked for a city government briefly, a state government briefly, a regional government briefly, and the Federal Government for 30+ years. Now I am in the Peace Corps. I wasn't very impressed with the local governments, but I was with the Federal employees I worked with. They worked hard and did a good job.

 

I agree the federal emplyees mostly are hard working and good at their jobs. It is the congress that will make a mess of things.

 

Just look at Social Security and Medicare. Do you really trust the government to not turn it into their personal pork barrel?

 

Wouldn't it make more sense to push the idea to people that keeping gas demand down will keep prices and down make most products we buy less expensive. Better than taxing gas how about giving a tax break to people that use public transportation where available and for more fuel efficient vehicles.

[Fugu]

I think it's a great idea. In fact, we should all put all of our wealth in to a great big cookie jar and then give everyone an equal share of it.

 

 

 

I don't think it's all bad that people have had their eyes pried open about fuel efficiency, but this income redistribution, what little of it would slip through the greedy fat fingers of the government's hands, is one of the silliest ideas I've heard in a long while.

 

It's as bogus as "legalize it and tax the hell out of it". Why tax the hell out of it?

 

If the government would quit picking our pockets every time we buy a gallon (go look up how much of the fuel prices you're paying are ALREADY taxes) then everyone would feel less pain buying fuel.

 

edit- and why do low income people HAVE to drive to work? Can't they take the bus like other people from all income levels? Can't they move nearer to their job like other people?

 

Silliness all over. Minor crises always cause two reactions: Government grabs power, socialists come out of the woodwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SageRider]

I think that all in favor of high taxes need not wait for the rest of us. Put your money where your mouth is and voluntarily contribute to your local, state, or federal government. Contribution should currently be in the neighborhood of $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon for each gallon of fuel you use which is close to the difference of the peak prices vs. today's prices. I'm sure your government will appreciate the financial assistance!

Maybe if those in favor of higher taxes can set a good example of selfless contributions, others may be persuaded to their point of view???

 

[steve.foote]

I think it's a great idea. In fact, we should all put all of our wealth in to a great big cookie jar and then give everyone an equal share of it.

 

 

 

I don't think it's all bad that people have had their eyes pried open about fuel efficiency, but this income redistribution, what little of it would slip through the greedy fat fingers of the government's hands, is one of the silliest ideas I've heard in a long while.

 

It's as bogus as "legalize it and tax the hell out of it". Why tax the hell out of it?

 

If the government would quit picking our pockets every time we buy a gallon (go look up how much of the fuel prices you're paying are ALREADY taxes) then everyone would feel less pain buying fuel.

 

edit- and why do low income people HAVE to drive to work? Can't they take the bus like other people from all income levels? Can't they move nearer to their job like other people?

 

Silliness all over. Minor crises always cause two reactions: Government grabs power, socialists come out of the woodwork.

 

Hey, I'm just trying to fit into the New America. It's become vogue to embrace kookie ideas which don't work and I don't want to look like some kind of outcast. So, yay high gas prices. Yay little tiny cars. Maybe someday we'll all get lucky and we will all work for the government.

[russell_bynum]

I think you're right on.

 

The pressure to produce fuel efficient cars and alternative energy sources needs to be kept up.

 

In Cali they haven't raised fuel taxes for a long time, and our roads show it. If they were to raise the gas tax a nickel to a dime per gallon, it would go a long way in repairing the roads. And the amount per gallon is about what we see weekly in price fluctuations anyway.

 

Wake up and smell the tall soy carmel machiato latte. California ALREADY HAS the HIGHEST gas tax in the nation.

[Francois_Dumas]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

The high prices are the only thing that will ever convince people to buy, and therefore manufacturers to make, small efficient cars. It is the only thing that will get single passenger drivers to consider public transit.

 

Now I will get really unpopular. I think there should be taxes that keep the gas price high. The income from the tax should go to low income people who have to drive to get to work so that they aren't punished. I have no idea how this would be administered but since it is so unlikely, I'm not losing sleep over implementation.

 

Let the flames begin...

 

No flames..... just pointing out we've had that for decades here and gas prices mounted to more than $ 10 a Gallon at one point this summer. Car ownership has still been on the rise (albeit not as exaggerated as in the States), oil/fuel consumption has been on the rise and people have not flinched.

 

What finally DID help was the loss of trust in our financial systems and the associated scare now haunting the business world and people's pockets.

 

Fortunately (for ME) petrol prices now dropped to something I can afford again. I don't mind the crisis (yet).

[Mr_Ed]

I think that all in favor of high taxes need not wait for the rest of us. Put your money where your mouth is and voluntarily contribute to your local, state, or federal government. Contribution should currently be in the neighborhood of $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon for each gallon of fuel you use which is close to the difference of the peak prices vs. today's prices. I'm sure your government will appreciate the financial assistance!

Maybe if those in favor of higher taxes can set a good example of selfless contributions, others may be persuaded to their point of view???

 

I love this argument. I think we take it a step further... I don't have kids but all of my neighbors do. Better than half of my taxes go into supporting the schools. I think I shouldn't have to pay those school taxes and that those with kids should carry the whole burden. If you can't educate them then don't breed them. Sound reasonable?

[Boffin]

I think that all in favor of high taxes need not wait for the rest of us. Put your money where your mouth is and voluntarily contribute to your local, state, or federal government. Contribution should currently be in the neighborhood of $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon for each gallon of fuel you use which is close to the difference of the peak prices vs. today's prices. I'm sure your government will appreciate the financial assistance!

Maybe if those in favor of higher taxes can set a good example of selfless contributions, others may be persuaded to their point of view???

 

I love this argument. I think we take it a step further... I don't have kids but all of my neighbors do. Better than half of my taxes go into supporting the schools. I think I shouldn't have to pay those school taxes and that those with kids should carry the whole burden. If you can't educate them then don't breed them. Sound reasonable?

 

The future security, stability and financial wellbeing of your country depends on its children. You should pay higher taxes for not providing these future generations. Sound Reasonable?

 

Andy

[Paul Mihalka]

This seems to me the most absurd thread in a long time. Except for not using four letter words (and I'm grateful for that) it would be right at home in Jo Momma - and if you don't know what that is, check advrider.com

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

The future security, stability and financial wellbeing of your country depends on its children. You should pay higher taxes for not providing these future generations. Sound Reasonable?

 

If we could agree on whether our population is too large, too small, or just right, we could reach some conclusions about how many children each couple ought to have. Only then can we discuss how/whether the government ought to be promoting a certain family size through tax policy.

 

FWIW, the news arrived last week that Michelle Duggar recently gave birth to the couple's 18th child.

[KDeline]

 

 

I love this argument. I think we take it a step further... I don't have kids but all of my neighbors do. Better than half of my taxes go into supporting the schools. I think I shouldn't have to pay those school taxes and that those with kids should carry the whole burden. If you can't educate them then don't breed them. Sound reasonable?

 

I really do feel that way.

[KDeline]

The future security, stability and financial wellbeing of your country depends on its children. You should pay higher taxes for not providing these future generations. Sound Reasonable?

 

If we could agree on whether our population is too large, too small, or just right, we could reach some conclusions about how many children each couple ought to have. Only then can we discuss how/whether the government ought to be promoting a certain family size through tax policy.

 

FWIW, the news arrived last week that Michelle Duggar recently gave birth to the couple's 18th child.

 

Those people need to be sterilized. What if their kids do this and so on? Lets just pop this planet.

[Nice n Easy Rider]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

The high prices are the only thing that will ever convince people to buy, and therefore manufacturers to make, small efficient cars. It is the only thing that will get single passenger drivers to consider public transit.

 

Now I will get really unpopular. I think there should be taxes that keep the gas price high. The income from the tax should go to low income people who have to drive to get to work so that they aren't punished. I have no idea how this would be administered but since it is so unlikely, I'm not losing sleep over implementation.

 

Let the flames begin...

 

I'd definitely be in favor of increasing the gas taxes IF those increased taxes were dedicated to providing more public transit. Having traveled in Europe where public transit is so much more available than here, and having lived in both Boston and San Francisco and visited DC many times, all places that have half-way decent transit, I think we could do much to improve the next generation's lives by starting on transit now.

 

Although some might say that increasing gas taxes is regressive because it affects the poor more than the rich, not having mobility options is truly regressive. We need to be able to move people much more effectively than we do now.

[John Ranalletta]

I really do feel that way.

That's what some might describe as "pulling the ladder up behind you". It also supports the transfer of wealth from future generations to ours.

 

Fortunately, the US is one of the few countries where the birthrate exceeds replacement (just barely). That's a good thing, me thinks.

[steve.foote]

I'd definitely be in favor of increasing the gas taxes IF those increased taxes were dedicated to providing more public transit. Having traveled in Europe where public transit is so much more available than here, and having lived in both Boston and San Francisco and visited DC many times, all places that have half-way decent transit, I think we could do much to improve the next generation's lives by starting on transit now.

 

Although some might say that increasing gas taxes is regressive because it affects the poor more than the rich, not having mobility options is truly regressive. We need to be able to move people much more effectively than we do now.

 

I agree. We're in the process of purchasing land in a very rural part of Georgia, and I can't think of anything that would be better than high-speed rail directly from my office to our new house in the country. I'd definately support an increase in the gas tax for that.

[Whip]

To paraphrase one of my Favorite members.......

 

 

 

If I had known high gas prices were gonna reduce traffic I would have been for high prices a long time ago. I can afford higher prices. My drive to work is so much more enjoyable in my BMW 760 with out all you other peeps in my way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Higher prices will just separate the rich from the poor even more.......

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Fugu]

I'd definitely be in favor of increasing the gas taxes IF those increased taxes were dedicated to providing more public transit.

 

What?

 

Why not let public transit pay for itself with ridership?

 

What's wrong with that?

 

 

[keithb]

This seems to me the most absurd thread in a long time. Except for not using four letter words (and I'm grateful for that) it would be right at home in Jo Momma -

 

Thanks for saying what I was thinking. My comments would be sensored anyway. Nuff said.

[Shaman97]

I think you're right on.

 

The pressure to produce fuel efficient cars and alternative energy sources needs to be kept up.

 

In Cali they haven't raised fuel taxes for a long time, and our roads show it. If they were to raise the gas tax a nickel to a dime per gallon, it would go a long way in repairing the roads. And the amount per gallon is about what we see weekly in price fluctuations anyway.

 

Wake up and smell the tall soy carmel machiato latte. California ALREADY HAS the HIGHEST gas tax in the nation.

 

Given the conditions of our roads, what's you're solution, then? If you use the roads, pay to maintain them or expect deterioration, as we've seen.

 

And BTW, I get my coffee at the Shell station. No carmel (or caramel for that matter) available. Perhaps south of Monterey...

[Nice n Easy Rider]

I'd definitely be in favor of increasing the gas taxes IF those increased taxes were dedicated to providing more public transit.

 

What?

 

Why not let public transit pay for itself with ridership?

 

What's wrong with that?

 

 

I'm guessing that you think that our highways were paid for and are maintained strictly by gas taxes - that they haven't been subsidized at all? Public transit will relieve some of the congestion on our highways delaying (not preventing) the need for new or expanded highways and it will relieve some of the emissions as well. While at its best public transit will probably not get more than 20% of the potential users, that 10-20% will free up space for those who can't (or won't) use public transit and for the commercial vehicles which are critical to moving goods around quickly and efficiently.

 

So while I continue to subsidize highways and roads with all of my taxes (not only gas) I wouldn't object to seeing some of those funds go into building an infrastructure that can help this country move forward by having another mobility system other than the automobile.

[Mr_Ed]

I think that all in favor of high taxes need not wait for the rest of us. Put your money where your mouth is and voluntarily contribute to your local, state, or federal government. Contribution should currently be in the neighborhood of $2.50 to $3.00 per gallon for each gallon of fuel you use which is close to the difference of the peak prices vs. today's prices. I'm sure your government will appreciate the financial assistance!

Maybe if those in favor of higher taxes can set a good example of selfless contributions, others may be persuaded to their point of view???

 

I love this argument. I think we take it a step further... I don't have kids but all of my neighbors do. Better than half of my taxes go into supporting the schools. I think I shouldn't have to pay those school taxes and that those with kids should carry the whole burden. If you can't educate them then don't breed them. Sound reasonable?

 

The future security, stability and financial wellbeing of your country depends on its children. You should pay higher taxes for not providing these future generations. Sound Reasonable?

 

Andy

 

Ha! I love it! Now where's my wife? We got some work to do and I ain't taking that "I'm tired line" anymore for the sake of the country and the world!

[Matts_12GS]

Hey, I'm just trying to fit into the New America. It's become vogue to embrace kookie ideas which don't work and I don't want to look like some kind of outcast. So, yay high gas prices. Yay little tiny cars. Maybe someday we'll all get lucky and we will all work for the government.

 

Then let's put the money in the kookie jar!

 

[Fugu]

I'm guessing that you think that our highways were paid for and are maintained strictly by gas taxes - that they haven't been subsidized at all?

 

No, that's irrelevant.

 

My car and my bike and the fuel that goes in them are paid for strictly with my dollars, though.

 

Why should I want my taxes to go to somebody else's transportation when the same goal, more efficiently moving people and stuff about, could be accomplished by those transit dollars adding a lane to the highway?

 

AND - frankly both your argument and my argument are out of place in this thread.

 

What the original poster is discussing is a tax so ridiculous it's multiples of the already tax inflated price of gasoline.

 

I would hope that for any taxpayer that's a non starter.

[russell_bynum]

I think you're right on.

 

The pressure to produce fuel efficient cars and alternative energy sources needs to be kept up.

 

In Cali they haven't raised fuel taxes for a long time, and our roads show it. If they were to raise the gas tax a nickel to a dime per gallon, it would go a long way in repairing the roads. And the amount per gallon is about what we see weekly in price fluctuations anyway.

 

Wake up and smell the tall soy carmel machiato latte. California ALREADY HAS the HIGHEST gas tax in the nation.

 

Given the conditions of our roads, what's you're solution, then? If you use the roads, pay to maintain them or expect deterioration, as we've seen.

 

You say if we just raise gas taxes, then we could have nicer roads. But by that logic, since we already pay more gas tax than any other state, we should have the most kick-ass roads in the country. We don't.

 

Before I'd be in favor of giving those idiots any more of my money, you'll need to explain to me why they aren't able to get the job done with the highest gas tax in the country.

[smiller]

Before I'd be in favor of giving those idiots any more of my money, you'll need to explain to me why they aren't able to get the job done with the highest gas tax in the country.

It's a little more complex than that I think... I'm not sure that any state can adequately fund road projects with gas taxes alone and these are actually paid for by a combination of fuel taxes, general state funds and federal aid. And most states can't keep up even at that.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

You say if we just raise gas taxes, then we could have nicer roads. But by that logic, since we already pay more gas tax than any other state, we should have the most kick-ass roads in the country. We don't.

 

Before I'd be in favor of giving those idiots any more of my money, you'll need to explain to me why they aren't able to get the job done with the highest gas tax in the country.

 

Might depend on the # of miles of road to be maintained. A state like North Dakota, with a coarse grid of county highways and a few smallish cities, probably doesn't have nearly as many miles of roads as a state like California, with several major metropoles. Fuel tax revenue scales with miles driven, but roads and bridges deteriorate with both miles driven, time, and environmental conditions. So you could be paying a lot (per gallon) in fuel taxes, but if you've got a huge network of roads to maintain, you might still come up short.

[russell_bynum]

Before I'd be in favor of giving those idiots any more of my money, you'll need to explain to me why they aren't able to get the job done with the highest gas tax in the country.

It's a little more complex than that I think... I'm not sure that any state can adequately fund road projects with gas taxes alone and these are actually paid for by a combination of fuel taxes, general state funds and federal aid. And most states can't keep up even at that.

 

OK...we also have state Income tax, which Texas doesn't. And we have a state sales tax of 7.25 vs your 6.25% (also the highest in the nation).

 

So...after I pay my federal income tax, and my state income tax, and my vehicle registration tax (I'm not sure how this compares with other states since different states base the registration tax on different things, but it was about 4X more for me to register my car here when I moved to CA than the previous year in TX.), and my fuel tax....that's still not enough.

 

Enough is enough. They're already taking more of my money than in any other state. Figure out how to make it work, or explain to me why you're already charging me more than any other state in the union and that still isn't enough.

[smiller]

Hey, I didn't say that you weren't getting screwed by the State of California, only that you're not alone...

 

And yes, I like the tax structure of Texas just fine, thank you very much. We don't have nice curbs on every minor road or botanical gardens in the center medians but not having to deal with my old friend the Franchise Tax Board makes that quite tolerable.

 

 

And we have a state sales tax of 7.25

Not for long, the way I hear it...

[John Ranalletta]

Living in paradise ain't cheap...

[SeanC]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

I totally agree. When gas prices were high, traffic was measurably lighter. I believe this was due to poor people and those on fixed incomes (e.g., elderlies) not driving so much. Now that prices are declining, the riff-raff is back on the roads. Grrrr.

 

So yeah, I say hike 'em back up. My motoring experience is simply more enjoyable when the roads are reserved for those of us who can afford to pay high prices, buy hybrids, European motorcycles, etc. Those who can't really ought to rely on public transportation instead.

[Shaman97]

Before I'd be in favor of giving those idiots any more of my money, you'll need to explain to me why they aren't able to get the job done with the highest gas tax in the country.

It's a little more complex than that I think... I'm not sure that any state can adequately fund road projects with gas taxes alone and these are actually paid for by a combination of fuel taxes, general state funds and federal aid. And most states can't keep up even at that.

 

 

 

 

OK...we also have state Income tax, which Texas doesn't. And we have a state sales tax of 7.25 vs your 6.25% (also the highest in the nation).

 

So...after I pay my federal income tax, and my state income tax, and my vehicle registration tax (I'm not sure how this compares with other states since different states base the registration tax on different things, but it was about 4X more for me to register my car here when I moved to CA than the previous year in TX.), and my fuel tax....that's still not enough.

 

Enough is enough. They're already taking more of my money than in any other state. Figure out how to make it work, or explain to me why you're already charging me more than any other state in the union and that still isn't enough.

 

Here are all your answers:

California State budget

 

I'd be interested to see how much per mile of road we actually spend, instead of taking a 'look how much they're taking from me' attitude. Urban roadways are in terrible shape, and nobody wants to spend anything on them.

 

We have those pesky problems like schooling, welfare and corrections that are mandated by court orders or State constitutional requirements. The actual discretionary part of the budget is about 15% of the total amount.

 

We could go back to the pre-Prop 13 days, and allow the assessor to do his discretionary job, or we can raise taxes/user fees for those that actually use them.

 

Whichever way you slice it, the roads aren't going to get better without additional taxes, the state parks will close or be much more expensive, and your children will receive a less-than-optimal experience in the classroom unless you pony up. Or if you decide to go elsewhere, I'm sure you'll find many of the same problems we have here. I don't know of any state that says "We're doin' fine".

 

Given the economy, I wouldn't be betting too heavily that those 'tax haven' states will remain that way for long.

 

Not that I like any of this, but realities are realities - we're broke!

 

 

[russell_bynum]

I'd be interested to see how much per mile of road we actually spend, instead of taking a 'look how much they're taking from me' attitude.

 

That line of thinking is what got us into this problem. Something's wrong...QUICK!!! THROW MORE MONEY AT IT!!!!!

 

They're already taking more from me than other States. Before I agree to throw more money at the problem, I want to make sure that the money they already have is going to good use. I'm not sure why that's so much to ask.

 

 

We have those pesky problems like schooling, welfare and corrections that are mandated by court orders or State constitutional requirements.

 

And other states don't have school systems and welfare?

 

The actual discretionary part of the budget is about 15% of the total amount.

 

Yep. Too many earmarks. Too much money being spent on stupid sh*t. Fix that and then come talk to me about handing over some more money.

 

Whichever way you slice it, the roads aren't going to get better without additional taxes, the state parks will close or be much more expensive, and your children will receive a less-than-optimal experience in the classroom unless you pony up.

 

OK, here's another way to slice it. Instead of raising the already very high taxes...how about....wait for it.......wait for it.....reducing spending instead.

 

I know...I know....that's just crazy talk.

 

I don't know of any state that says "We're doin' fine".

 

Well sure...they want more money. If you're doing a fundraiser you don't start out by saying "Everything's great and we have all the money we need."

 

 

Not that I like any of this, but realities are realities - we're broke!

 

And we will continue to be broke until we cut our spending.

[Shaman97]

And we will continue to be broke until we cut our spending.

 

And EXACTLY whereand by HOW MUCH do you propose do this? What part of the budget should get axed to resolve the problems?

 

 

[John Ranalletta]

And we will continue to be broke until we cut our spending.

 

And EXACTLY whereand by HOW MUCH do you propose do this? What part of the budget should get axed to resolve the problems?

 

 

Q: What do you cut at home when the paycheck runs out before the expenses?

 

A: Everything but taxes.

[Green RT]

This seems to me the most absurd thread in a long time. Except for not using four letter words (and I'm grateful for that) it would be right at home in Jo Momma - and if you don't know what that is, check advrider.com

 

I usually judge the success of threads that I start by the number of responses. But getting a vote for "most absurd" from Paul is worth more.

[russell_bynum]

And we will continue to be broke until we cut our spending.

 

And EXACTLY whereand by HOW MUCH do you propose do this? What part of the budget should get axed to resolve the problems?

 

 

Start with Heath and Human Services, Environmental Protection, State and Consumer Services, and Labor and Workforce Development, then come talk to me if we still don't have enough money to pave the roads.

[smiller]

I just found out something interesting... I just checked the Texas 2008 state budget (second highest population behind California, although it it quite a bit less) and found that Texas's budget is actually higher than California ($144,489,190 thousand for CA vs. $167,787,202 thousand for TX), not what I expected. And Texas doesn't have a state income tax, and a lower sales tax than CA, lower vehicle registration fees, etc. I'm not sure where the revenue comes from, corporate and property taxes I guess (Texas has generally higher property tax rates than CA but the dollar figures per individual still tend to be lower due to the lower value of real estate.)

 

Still trying to figure this one out though... how does Texas do it with zero personal income tax? And I don't see how even the corporate rate could be that much higher given that Texas has a very business-friendly reputation, with Austin being a tech center mostly because of refugees from CA. Can't figure out how it all adds up...

 

 

[Twisties]

Okay I have all my protective gear on so that I am fully prepared to be blasted for this opinion.

 

I think the best thing that happened to the US this past year was the high gas prices. I am disturbed to see that they are back down again.

 

The high prices are the only thing that will ever convince people to buy, and therefore manufacturers to make, small efficient cars. It is the only thing that will get single passenger drivers to consider public transit.

 

Now I will get really unpopular. I think there should be taxes that keep the gas price high. The income from the tax should go to low income people who have to drive to get to work so that they aren't punished. I have no idea how this would be administered but since it is so unlikely, I'm not losing sleep over implementation.

 

Let the flames begin...

 

+1

[John Ranalletta]

Your numbers don't jibe with these from the Texas comptroller's office. Just sayin'...

[smiller]

Your numbers don't jibe with these from the Texas comptroller's office. Just sayin'...

My data came from here (page 51, expenditures and page 37, revenue) and here. But yeah, your revenue figure sure doesn't match... don't know where the discrepancy lies...

 

Edit: Oh wait... the figures in my data appear to be biennial... ooops... now it makes more sense...

 

[Skywagon]

Having lived in each state more than 20 years, it's pretty simple. Here is some general breakdown on fees. Income tax is roughly 9% in CA. Some cities have additional tax. Home taxes were roughly 1.2% of the home value, which by the way was usually half of it's real value. Most everything else in CA is more expensive; food, clothing, insurance, utilities, gasoline,etc. On average, excluding housting, I would say CA costs about 20-25% more for general living expenses. CA has lots and lots of Gov - ment. The wages they pay folks are incredible. For example, the minimum wage for a toll taker on the Bay Bridge is $35k/year. The Bay Bridge that fell in 1989 earthquake ( I was there ) was going to be repaired then replaced for something like $700 million and done within 3 years. When I left some 20 years later, the tag was several billion, they were only going to replace half, and Oakland and San Francisco were fighting. My favorite story is the repair and overhaul of a freeway named 680 that ran from Walnut Creek north. It was under construction for many years and cost millions. Less than a year after it was opened, it was under retrofit for earthquake tolerances. Unbelievable. Calfornia supports lots of causes and publice spending. CalTrans is completely out of control. Tons of giveaway. CA is a big place. As big and beautiful as the ocean and surroundings are, it requires lots of expense to keep it that way.

 

So for my friends in CA, I am not complaining about the state or saying any other state is better. It is truly beautiful. It may have the best weather anywhere, but lord they collect and spend an enormous amount of money. The CA personal real estate taxes were realtively cheap compared to Texas which in my neighborhood is approximately 2.5%. Texas charges me real estate tax on my home. CA charged me tax on my home, boat, airplane, and airplane hangar.

 

To my Texas friends. This is home. I am glad to be home, but from a scenery and weather perspective, CA is simply incredible. From an expense perspective, Texas does a better job of managing our money. They are less inclined to give billions to the study of a snale darter. I receive the same salary in Texas as I did in CA. I have considerably more disposable income.

 

I feel fortunate to have lived and ridden BMW motorcycles over 100K miles in each state.

 

No animals were harmed in this message.

[steve.foote]

I don't know of any state that says "We're doin' fine".

 

Georgia reporting in, "We're doin' fine."

 

But, I have to agree with you. California should dramatically raise their taxes. Double or triple at the least.

[Francois_Dumas]

Having lived in each state more than 20 years, it's pretty simple.

 

 

OT: I am puzzled I must admit. So you are over 1040 years old ???????