Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Truck Drivers Protest Gax Tax Increase Proposal

In Maryland, lawmakers are thinking of signing a gas tax increase, which would raise money to cover about a third of the $1.6 million budget gap. However, people opposed to the tax increase believe it's putting more pressure on the people who can least afford the increase in gas. Truckers gathered in Annapolis, Maryland to protest the gas tax increase. The gas tax is already 23.5 cents a gallon, and one bill is proposing an increase of 12 cents in the gas tax, which would go to fix the roads. This tax increase is supported by Baltimore's mayor and other county leaders, who have experienced transportation budget cuts. This tax would give the state of Maryland more money to work with in order keep roads well kept and the government running. Howard County State Executive Ken Ulman states that "roads throughout the state of Maryland are deteriorating and are going to deteriorate a lot more if we don't act,". This increase would make Maryland's state tax the highest in its region, which is a main cause for the outrage. Although I do oppose taxing middle class citizens further, if the state of Maryland is in critical condition when it comes to the transportation funds, I think there is no choice but to impose a tax on citizens in order to improve the condition of the state. What do you guys think? How should Maryland generate funds in order to maintain roads and improve transportation?

1 comment:

michelleyu said...

I agree... If the conditions of their roads are as bad as they describe it to be, then I think the tax is a necessary precaution to prevent further damage to their roads. The article also mentioned that their gas tax hasn't been raised since 1992, so I definitely feel that now, more than any other time, would be a critical time to enact the tax and fix the roads before they get any worst and most likely end up costing more.