World Watch: Gasoline Tax

From today’s editorial page:

…it is the height of hypocrisy to drive gasoline-guzzling vehicles but balk at raising enough money to build roads on which to drive them.

If one drives a gasoline-guzzling vehicle, does it not follow that that person would pay more in gasoline tax than those who have efficient vehicles? Is not the real hypocrisy mismanaging the taxpayer’s money for years and then blaming them for not stepping up to the plate?

The road problems in Oklahoma are simple. The state has never taxed its citizens enough to build them.

I agree with the first half, but the second half is clearly dishonest. Only the World would try to convince readers that Oklahomans do not pay enough tax.

• Oklahoma is second in the nation when it comes to miles of toll roads. These roads generated $185.9 million of revenue in 2004.
• Oklahoma receives more per-capita dollars of fuel tax than any other state
• Oklahoma receives 150% more revenue from motor tags and license fees, per capita, than any other state.
• 7% of Oklahoma revenue comes from the motor fuels tax while only 3.8% of the state budget goes to ODOT.
  

It sounds to me like the problem is prioritization…

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