SEN. CORKER PUSHES TAX HIKE AS GOP TAKES CONTROL

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Breitbart:

Hours before the GOP took control of the U.S. Senate last week, Tennessee Republican Sen. Bob Corker used an appearance on CNBC to push a federal gas tax increase. Voters can be forgiven if they feel this was exactly what they expected when they gave Republicans complete control of Congress. Corker’s disastrous timing isn’t just bad politics — it is horrible policy.

 

Supporters of a gas tax hike point to several reasons to justify a higher federal tax. The tax hasn’t been raised in decades, so its impact has declined with inflation. As cars have become much more fuel efficient, the tax-per-mile-traveled collected has decreased. On current trends, the monies collected in the federal Highway Trust Fund, will continually fall short of the Trust Fund’s spending obligations.

 

All of these points are true. They are also beside the point.

 

The purpose of the Highway Trust Fund, and the reason for the federal gas tax, was to build and maintain the interstate highway system. Begun by President Eisenhower, before the first manned space flight, that task is largely complete. There is more than enough money in the Trust Fund, and for the foreseeable future, to fund the maintenance of the federal interstate system.

 

As with everything else in Washington, however, the Trust Fund program has evolved over the years. Over one quarter of Trust Fund spending is for non-highway needs. Mass Transit currently consumes about $10 billion a year from the Trust Fund. Almost by itself, that amount bridges any “shortfall” in the Fund. In many localities, Transit is an important part of the transportation system, but there certainly isn’t a federal interest in maintaining it. Using gas taxes to subsidize transit is horrible tax policy.

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The Stupid Party rears its ugly head.

 

 

[Valin]

Dear Sen. Corker

 

I have a small request. If it is possible could you please for just one day not be dumber than dirt? On behalf of the human race I thank you for the effort.