“As Oregonians drive less and demand more fuel-efficient vehicles, it is increasingly important that the state find a new way, other than the gas tax, to finance our transportation system.” According to the policies he has outlined online, [Gov. Ted] Kulongoski proposes to continue the work of the special task force that came up with and tested the idea of a mileage tax to replace the gas tax. The governor wants the task force “to partner with auto manufacturers to refine technology that would enable Oregonians to pay for the transportation system based on how many miles they drive.”
Are any other states testing this or have actually started this system?
Besides miles driven, are the taxes based on vehicle weight?
Is it a fair system?
When I first read about this I thought it was a way to rip off fuel efficient car owners. But I realize that roads and bridges must be built and maintained and everybody needs to share the burden.
I'm not sure if this has to be voter approved, but in order to get my support, they would have to eliminate the gas per gallon tax and levy the mileage tax fairly based on vehicle size/weight. I would also want it clearly defined how these mileage taxes will be managed, how they're often raised, by how much and by what process.
The other issue is one of privacy. With every gas station reporting to the government how many miles you drive, this is a concern.
I'm not sure if this has to be voter approved, but in order to get my support, they would have to eliminate the gas per gallon tax and levy the mileage tax fairly based on vehicle size/weight. I would also want it clearly defined how these mileage taxes will be managed, how they're often raised, by how much and by what process.
The other issue is one of privacy. With every gas station reporting to the government how many miles you drive, this is a concern.
If they don't couple it with a continued Gas tax then there is no incentive to get off the Gas.
I have heard discussion of taking this Nationaly to pay for the Hyway system. I think it is the only way this would work.
OK here is a senario.
State A goes to just miles per year, Neighbor state B goes to Tax per Gallon.
You live in State A and commute in to state B. You will be paying for miles not driven in your state to your state and if you need Gas while in state B you are paying twice.
OK now you live in state B but commute into state A. You buy all your Gas in State A, You Pay no Tax.
A National plan that pays for the roads based on how much you abuse it is required, but with continued incentives to move away from Oil. And it can't be Tax breaks for "Green cars" it has to be a penalty to Guzzuling Oil.
My fear is folks will be finding new ways to mess with Odometers.
Last edited by forestacademy; 12-30-2008 at 08:53 AM.
The system they are pushing here included a gps unit you put in the car. It transmits mileage data at the gas pump each time you fill. Doesn't use your odometer at all.
I agree there's a lot to be worked out, hadn't even thought of trans-staters - which we have a lot of (Portland/Vancouver).
It does seem that hybrids are getting a deal just now. And what about when the full electric cars come? Shouldn't they have to pay road tax, too?
OK, but what about the mileage traveled outside of Oregon. If I just got back from a trip to California, Half that mileage was out of state! Is Oregon going to tax me for that? So, I'll be paying California state gas tax on the fuel I purchased in Sacramento, then when I fill up in Medford, I'll be assessed tax based upon the mileage I drove on that taxed fuel from Calif. This will take some real thought at the state level, something they do not do well!!
Last edited by Dunerunner; 12-30-2008 at 09:07 AM.
The system they are pushing here included a gps unit you put in the car. It transmits mileage data at the gas pump each time you fill. Doesn't use your odometer at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dunerunner
OK, but what about the milage traveled outside of Oregon. If I just got back from a trip to California, Half that milage was out of state! Is Oregon going to tax me for that? This will take some real thought at the state level, something they do not do well!!
I think a GPS could hit you for only in state millage
OK, but what about the milage traveled outside of Oregon. If I just got back from a trip to California, Half that milage was out of state! Is Oregon going to tax me for that? This will take some real thought at the state level, something they do not do well!!
This is a valid concern, Dunerunner. Hopefully it will occur to to the task force, too---
... The governor wants the task force “to partner with auto manufacturers to refine technology that would enable Oregonians to pay for the transportation system based on how many miles they drive.” ...
he he... not to worry, government task force, all under control
I think a GPS could hit you for only in state millage
Doesn't look like this system has that part worked out:
...The Oregon mileage tax proponents claim that GPS satellite tracking systems installed in vehicles by the manufacturers would not gather or transmit data on where and when people travel, but multiple studies have cited public privacy as a major public concern....
more taxes is never the answer.
this is way too big brother for me - i am actually suspicious of anyone who would think this is a good idea.
roads are important, have states make them a priority in the budget instead of a second-thought.
most states make roads a second-thought because, if it gets bad enough, politicians know they can always get more out of you to fix the roads. that's why they don't bother fixing them with the money you already give them. they spend that on the frills and pork projects and stuff they know you will never override for in the first place.
when is anyone going to hold the gov't accountable for the money they already spend? instead of just opening their wallets to give them more?
"Roger that Task Force 1, said vehicle visited the gun shop in Bend and is currently en route to an address in Redmond. Wait, they've stopped at a liquor store and a bar and are now back on the road. Let's do a routine traffic stop and see if we can get them for a wet and reckless or weapons violation!!"
I don't know the specifics of the Oregon gasoline taxes, but I can tell you that out of the 18¢ federal tax gasoline, 38% ain't spent on roads... instead the politiciants "flex out" or divert the money away from roads and into projects that have nothing to do with roads and highways.
So before Oregon raises is taxes because "it is increasingly important that the state find a new way, other than the gas tax, to finance our transportation system", Oregonians should find out if their gas taxes are being spent on roads... or on government pork.
Here are the US DOT Department of Transportation slides:
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