What do you think about taxing miles driven instead of the current gasoline tax system?

This is wrong, at this time, on so many levels.

1. Implementing a new mileage-based tax program will take money-money the goverment does not have to waste.

2. Taxing per gallon encourages both fuel and mileage conservation, reducing emissions and road wear. Taxing per mile only encourages less mileage.

3. Taxing per mile encourages drivers to take the shortest route-which might include short cuts through quiet neighborhoods-instead of the longer highway route.

4. It's a sham for the transportation secretary claim we need a new system because taxes can't be raised on the per gallon system. A tax is a tax no matter how it's collected.

That being stated-ten years from now-if and when a considerable percentage of cars are powered by electric or other non-pumped fuels, a mileage tax may make sense. But now is not the time to replace a system that is currently working. If road maintenance funds are insufficient, then the tax/gallon needs to be raised while the budget is trimmed, too.

Do any of these supporters know how easy it is to cheat on mileage? There is already a market out there for used odometer clusters and this would make it larger. If you rollback or swap outclusters with totalled cars you can almost eliminate yourself paying this tax. This is just a doorway for people to cheat. You can't cheat on gas tax unless you physically steal gas! Stupid gov't!

This tax may even be unconstitutional. Whereas gasoline or something used to make it may cross state lines your driving may not. There is no Commerse Clause argument that could be used for a private citizens actions taken within one state. If I drive 7 miles to visit my in-laws there is no commerce taking place and it is certainly within my state. The U.S. Supreme Court should block this overreach.

I agree I am taxed out. We should make goverment smaller and pay less taxes. So if this doesn't pass they will come out with a home tax for staying at home. We need people in office who will look out for the people and not taxing everything . This tax and spend has to stop. And this is just the beginning of the great Obama rule. Watch your wallet.

The argument will be since Federal dollars were used to build/maintain/buy a sign for the local streets and roads you drive on, they have the right to inplement this under the aforementioned clause.

I agree something has to be done to fund our decaying infrastructure but I prefer a gas tax increase over some government entity installing a GPS chip in my car. A gas tax increase would reward gas sippers, hurt gas guzzlers and help pay for infrastructure.

I'm already an easy target with my XM radio, EZ Pass, OnStar and cell phone but the difference is I choose to use these devices. Don't need big brother driving beside me while I visit family 200 miles away or just commuting 6 miles to work.

Side note: THere is already something like this in Germany (i think it's Germany) where there are scanners on the highways that read a GPS chip in the car. The auto insurance companies can see how fast/far you are traveling and charge you accordingly.

Maybe if the government would learn how to run a project we wouldn't have the money issue. They have changed the toll system 3 times over the past 10 years in Chicago.

Why don't they just tax the number of daily respirations we have. That will make sure everyone is paying their fair share. Or is that not the intent? Lemme guess...

How do tax the miles boats take, heating a 10k sq. foot mansion, or cooling a wine cellar, a private jet, a private air port slip, a swimming pool, a out of country vacation, using of shore savings accounts, a limo service... DO YOU GET IT!

Im for it if they just tax foreign cars!

this is, in principle, a great idea. it has, in reality absolutely no chance of becoming law. the gps method of tracking is too orwellian. surely, some means can be devised of determining how far one drives without revealing where. and the idea isn't all that radical. it's been applied to commercial trucking for a long time.

but beyond that, the responses here illustrate a much larger point. we all seem to want solutions to our massive and mounting problems that impose no negative impact! on anybody! i have some bad news folks. THERE AREN'T ANY! we have all lived high on the hog for a long time, and the bill is due.

Personally I think it's about time our government officials make some sacrifices in all there benefit packages unstead of just heaping more and more taxes. We are definitely taxed to death now and they, Congress, continues to throw good money after bad. Cut their income, tax their 'trips' make them accountable for the spending packages. Hell just make them accountable.

Personally I think it's about time our government officials make some sacrifices in all there benefit packages unstead of just heaping more and more taxes. We are definitely taxed to death now and they, Congress, continues to throw good money after bad. Cut their income, tax their 'trips' make them accountable for the spending packages. Hell just make them accountable.

Does anyone on capitol hill live in reality anymore? "are they all high or incredibly stupid" to quote someone. (southpark) Majorityof workers have to commute to work.

In this day and age, when families are generally required to have both Husband & Wife working and in many cases in different cities, this is rediculous. Why doesn't Washington or individual states, reinstate the CCC? We give money to habitual welfare recipients by the truckloads and they don't even have to get off their asses to earn it. Manditory participation in the CCC would at least eliminate additional money needed for salaries. Participation in the CCC would also provide incentive for higher education and obtaining a better job. Let's face it, it doesn't require a PhD to fill pot holes with tar!!

Wake up Washington!! Start doing something to reduce the burden on the middle class instead of adding to it!!

Nothing like taking a bad idea and replacing it with a worse idea. They've been beating everyone over the head with the whole global warming thing and now that people are driving more efficient cars, they aren't raising the revenue they required. Who knew? That's the problem. We need some leadership that can see something coming down the road rather than one who comes up with stupid solutions to problems that should have been anticipated. And, more money isn't always the right answer, just the easiest.

The lunicy in Washington is never ending.

Why go after the user who is limited in what can be done. Manufacturing has to fix the problem. We can only use what is available. If we went back to horse and buggy they would have the same problem with another source of polution.

Washington obviously has a short memory - what happenned to our energy independence and development of new energy sources that was of prime importance?

Really bad idea. Tax gas guzzlers at the same rate as fuel efficient vehicles! What's wrong with the user tax? If there isn't enough money to fund the infrastructure increase the tax. That would solve both the road need as well as continuing to focus on gas guzzlers.

Speaking of bloat---did you notice the rich Fed guy looking well-dressed and well-fed? I doubt that *he* needs to conserve on anything--like his grocery bill....

Of course, I'm being petty and cruel. It's not his fault. Perhaps I simply need to "think outside the box."

The proposed idea is simply Fabulous....if you live in a major metropolitan city, or a small state like Rhode Island or Hawaii (no offense to anyone there). I mean, an hour's drive and you can actually *leave* Rhode Island---some places here in Colorado, an hour's drive won't even get you to the nearest Wal-Mart.

A GPS to "track" where everyone goes....Hmmmm. Sorry, but I really don't like the idea of being "tracked" by the government, any more than I already am with cell phones, traffic cams, and the local police....not to mention radical internet sites like Newsvine....it interferes with that whole "Land of the Free" thing I used to read about when I was in school.

Gee whiz, what's next? A GPS chip implanted in humans like we do to dogs, cats, and livestock?? Oh, it will never happen, they say! Hmmmm.....a few years ago, it would never happen that GPS tracking of vehicles would have even been *considered* but it is already de riguer in vehicles equipped with On*Star.

I spoke with a "geo-cacher" the other day---he casually mentioned that his el-cheapo handheld GPS is accurate to within fifteen feet....or about 10 steps. "One Small Step for Man...One Giant Leap for Big Brother." (With apologies to NASA..)

I know, I'm a radical butthead talking all this smack, but wouldn't it be nice---for a Change (nods to Obama)---that the government actually had to cut back on spending just like the rest of us Little Peons? How about something even *more* radical.....have the government remember that *They work for US...not the other way around."

Oh yes....words of revolution and dissent.....hold on a minute, I think I hear the jack-boots trying to kick in my front door.

Regards, etc.

I have emailed my outrage and the voting figures from this discussion to my Senators, to the Department of Transportation, and to Pres. Obama via his website.

I suggest everyone engaged in this discussion do the same.

Agreed. And then Pelosi takes an extravagant trip to Rome (along with her cronies) courtesy of the taxpayer !!!

This LaHood should be hooded and strung up in the the town square. At the very least get him the hell out of Washington and send him to Somalia to direct helicopter traffic.

Is this like the dems big push for everybody to quit smoking and then tie chirldrens health care to a cigarette and tobacco tax?

LOL @ sinister

I really hate when they do stupid $h!t like that.

sebs I wonder what this guy is thinking? We are interring a depression and this overpaid bozo wants to increase taxes. I have a better idea, lets tie their pay and benefits to performance and see how much their income drops. I live in IL and my local rep wants to increase gas tax .08 cents to help the state in the face that the four dollar gas had such a bad influence on the economy. To add to this there is only one other state that pays it's reps. more than IL. And as all can see it the news what a laughing stock we because of their bad behavor.

How does this plan benefit those that have been conscience regarding environment, fuel consumption, and spending? So now the cost of owning a hybrid in regards to taxes will be identical to the tax cost of a Mack truck where mileage is the determining factor. Where is the break in anything other than fuel? People who buy economical cars so that they can travel freely without paying out the butt for it will now pay out the butt for it. Or maybe in the butt? Also, larger vehicles do more damage to the nations highways and bridges than do small economical cars. I live off of a rural highway where asphalt is the paving material of choice. The state has to pave it every two years because the semi's just shred it to pieces. The point of having the fuel tax makes sense because larger vehicles impact our roads and bridges more than economical cars. Larger vehicles consume more fuel, have higher fuel costs, and thereby pay more in taxes which is fair considering their road impact versus those of smaller vehicles.

Enough TAXES Already! Time for a Royal Tea Party!!! Families are sinking and taking their own lives and others. DO ANY OF THESE PEOPLE LIKE MADOFF HAVE A CONSCIENCE Of HOW THEY HAVE AFFECTED MILLIONS? CAN THEY LIVE WITH WHAT THEY HAVE CREATED OR DONE? I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Have a sister who received a huge bonus from Home Depot. I found out from another family member that it almost equaled the cost of a home. Then I saw the closing sign of the EXPO store which Home Depot owns. It made me sick and very mad at my sister. Many people are being laid off and she has more money than she knows what to do with and is only looking after herself. I would never want to be in her place. I could never live like that if she even realizes what is happening or if she cares. This mess is really showing peoples true values and showing who has a conscience and who could careless. The World is in one of the saddess states I have ever seen. We need Jimmy Cricket to help us all have a "CONSCIENCE" and help those we can around us. Time to hold those who are responsible for looking after our well-being. No more taxes, greed, bonuses!!!!!!!!Heal the nation for once............. Pelosi time to resign.......Along with all those in office who allowed bonuses to be given per tax payers dollars.

I am steaming that they would even bring this up. This ticks me off beyond belief. And I live close to work. Those idiots who came up with that idea should be thrown out of power and out of this country. Freaks.

it is not so much that I don't want the goverment to know were I am driving to & from it is the simple fact wy keep taxing the people allready down in the drenches, hardly being able to make a living government is taking from us left & right the way it is good for them, how about the money we are getting back from the Swiss Bank? who are disclosing all those people who were hiding usa tax $? I am sure if they try they could find a lot of "money" someplace else, the 1st thing they think of is "raise" Taxes? I whish when my butched is tite when I need something "I could get my money by raising somebodies Taxes" these "educated" people should use their capable Brains & think of something better than just taxing something or somebody every time they need money.

Those morons must make too much and not pay enough taxes. Tax them instead.

bopdaddytoo:

I live in NJ so I know all about high taxes and overpaid corrupt pols. I think we wrote the book (with help from Illinois :-D) on ineffective government.

Just last year, right before the almost $5/gal gas spike, our Governor decided he was going to raise tolls 50% every other year until 2012 because our budget deficit was so bad. Mind you, the Newark Port is the largest importer of goods on the east coast. Which means, a lot of trucking in and out of the state.

This would mean a visit to nearby NYC could eventually cost us more than $25 dollars in tolls (not to mention the toll taxes Mayor Bloomberg was proposing)! I was hopping mad as were most of my fellow Jerseyans who use the NJ Turnpike and Parkway to get to work. It was unfair.

THen, some other reps decided to offer an olive leaf and suggest a more modest toll increase + an increase in gas taxes. Long story short, both ideas were scrapped because of the high gas prices.

Now, Here's my argument:

If you raise toll prices, you're only affecting a minority of drivers and this is absolutely unfair because most use the highways to commute to work. But if you raise the gas tax, it is a more equitable (across the board) tax that will also help those who have more fuel efficient vehicles. Here in Jersey, the people who were driving hummers, couldn't care less they were paying $5/gal because they could afford it.

I don't want to hear about taxes as the average NJ homeowner pays $10K+ in state, municipal, county and school taxes. And auto insurance is on average $2000/year. BUT, we need money to pay for the decaying bridges, roads, and energy grids that are over 50 years old!

So, if you can guarantee my tax dollars are going to prevent another bridge collapse or sinkholes on a major highway, raise the gas tax but don't put a GPS system in my car.

At .25 cents/mile, higher mileage vehicles are penalized. At 14 mpg, .25 cents x 14 = 3.5 cents/gal. At 28 mpg, .25 cents x 28 = 7 cents/gal.

Don't any of these geniuses understand basic math, or understand that they will be penalizing us for driving higher mileage cars?

As usual, politicians out of touch with logic or reality.

this is proof positive there is but 1 party in america now, the unpatriotic fascist republicrat party, they always ask the worker to suffer and be patriotic , just go along, they themselfs the big oil military industrial complex pigs just give lip service and keep looting us. exxon made 45 billion last yr even with the drop in prices at the pump. Why are they not being patriotic and bailing out the auto industry, in return our tax dollars could go to rebuild the infastructure, no pig's like the fascist corperations of america , want to create a new age fuedal system just like the old one of the dark ages and hord all the wealth. keep it stagnat untill the mass'es cave and give up all freedom, dismantel america as we know it. turn this around and us masses must now make the 1% actually be patriotic and bail out america. be fed up and don't take it anymore.

Sinister,

It worked, I quit smoking.

Bopdaddytoo,

I live in IL and my local rep wants to increase gas tax .08 cents to help the state in the face that the four dollar gas had such a bad influence on the economy.

Didn't they tell you how much extra they raked in from sales taxes due to 4 dollar a gallon for gas? I thought politicians were always honest about what was going on.

THis is from a government that can spend trillions on killing people in other countries, rebuilding the infrastructure of other countries we've bombed, giving money to other counties to kill their neighbors and occupying other peoples lands. Don't ask me to contribute to imperialism and then claim we can't afford our own nations expenses. Why ask the public for anything just print the cash like you did for the wars and stop taxing me altogether. And when my business fails I expect the government to bail me out. When I can't afford my junk-its to Vegas anymore I want the tax payer to pick up the tab. Now that we got our oil, that was under their sand, back, why don't we sell it to pay for our infrastructure? Oh ya, we gave that to the oil companies huh. Oh well, it's all our fault, we let them spend our money on murder and revenge and now we have none left for ourselves, what a shame. At least we all drive SUV's and don't really need roads any how.

The government relies on me voluntarily reporting my income accurately. Why does the trust system all of a sudden not work for reporting mileage?

Also, if this tax is to repair roads and bridges, then why not tax semis and big trucks at a higher rate since they do more damage than my small car?

Finally, I will never have a GPS unit in my vehicle. It will be disabled.

"Hi, I'm the Government and I want to help you....let me put a GPS unit in your car."

Yup,

everyone has to take the hit except for them.

Damn Gary I didn't know Obama ,Nancy,Harry and company were Republicans?????

And figure out how much per gallon that $45 billion amounted to but remember to take all the gallons of gas,diesel,kero,heating oil,motor oil,grease,and any other product that Exxon-Mobil sells. You look at the total and want them to do the work for nothing what company can exist if it doesn't make a profit. They have share holders who have to receive something for the money they invested. Your Idea are pure Democratic mantra. If that $45 billion was broken down it comes out to less then. .00005 cents per gallon and in a years time you would have got probably $10 back. Quit crying about Exxon that is a drop in the bucket compared to what Obama just spent and he is not going to help 1/3 of the number people get jobs or save jobs that Exxon employs.

well, looks like i'm out of work now too........no more food delivery.

i hope everyone enjoyed their pizzas:(

That is just what we need, more taxes. We are really getting it shoved to us. They have already stuck it to us, now they want to know where we are going and next we will have to wear a GPS system to let them know what we are doing. THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!!!

well said gnat. time to get ready with an "in the shadows" business like removing ppls government gps.....for a small fee.

so, if they want more money so bad, what's with the new tax? just adjust the old ones. just raise the gas tax and registration fees a little bit.

This is just like the insanity of a government out of control. The only view they can come up with to pay for the PORK in their thinking to help the populace is to create more taxing systems. We are in a recession and headed for a depression and he only idea these brilliant attorneys can come up with is more taxes. On one side of the politcal fat cat's faces they want America to go back to work and become more resourceful in our spending, and become furgal in our use of fossil fuels. And we do! Then the high- minded officals decide because they can't control the prices of our imports they want to tax our mileage. The only probable solution that I see, is that we need to clean out the corruption in Washington and vote in some common sense folks who are in touch with the needs of the voters of America.

I believe you are right, there is only one party left in government...but it is the Dumocrats.......the Pelosis and Obamas will destroy our once great Nation...

Yeah, because the Bush Administration was just so competent...and the 12 year Republican strangle hold on Congress did so much to help the little guy too.

Give me a break dude. They're all the same rats, just sitting on opposite sides of the fence.

What will they come up with next, it is bad enough folks are loosing their home & their jobs, It just the way the goverment can tax the folks who do not pay any taxes at all. Good luck to the ones who dreamed of this one, it will not fly. The American people are about at their wits end with the ecomony and the internal coruption, they feel like powder cakes ready to go off. This Country has endured many Wars to protect the rights & the freedom for others in Foreign Lands, its time We the People need to look at America and protect our own rights & the freedom as Americans before we loose more of our ground to a ditatorship.

Personally I think most of you are whinny and paranoid. The Govt could care less where you drive. They need a system to pay for and repair roads and bridges - I don't really care which system they use as long as the money goes where it should.

I am willing to pay so that my loved ones come home to me and are not in a river under a pile of concrete because the bridge they were on collapsed - think it can't happen to you? Look at the rating for bridges in this country.

We in Minneapolis learned the lesson the hard way - with dead people.

READ MY LIPS, NO NEW %#*&ING TAXES!! I can see where this would go, 1/4 of a cent per mile now, next year 3/4 cent, then .01, .02, .03,...... and on and on. Has nearly every politician lost their collective minds? Do they have any $%&#ing idea how pissed people are getting with this endless parade of bailouts and efforts to squeeze more and more money from a working class that is literally shrinking hour by hour every day?

Worst idea ever and here is why. I, like several million other people, am a sales rep who drives about 50,000 miles per year for my job and if you tax the miles I drive, then the products I sale, will become more expensive and the consumers I sale to will not only pay more taxes for the miles they drive, but for the miles I drive as well. This is a great way to bring the ecconomy down even further. Can we please get some intelligent ecconomists in Washington instead of these losers?

That would put another burden on those of us in rural communities who have to commute because there are no jobs locally.

At some point it won't make sense to try to work and pay taxes. What happens to the tax base then?

Robbing Peter to pay Paul, is that all our "leaders" know how to do?

Definitely a bad idea...reading these comments though, SO MANY PEOPLE are MISREADING the suggested amount of tax & calculating that the tax is a QUARTER of a DOLLAR (.25)...it isn't, the govt is suggesting a QUARTER of a CENT (1/4 of .01)....not that it makes it any better, like a poster a few up there....where does it stop?

TAX ALL ROAD USERS! horses, bicycles, pedestrians everybody! Why should I pay for a road for bicycles?

if you think they will keep it at $.0025 per mile then you probably believe the income tax will be repealed any day now, since WWII is all paid for and all.

Better idea, a GPS implanted at birth, and you get taxed on every step or movement you take. Don't be paranoid, your beautiful leaders would never think of abusing a system like this!!

The only way a milage tax would be fair would be if there is public transportation sufficient enough in an area to allow everyone to use it instead of personal vehicles. I.E. ,,anyone within a city that has enough public transportation to get anywhere one would need to go in the city.Otherwise it's unfair to ask a Farmer to pay tax per mile to go get groceries,neccessities,etc.Or others in rural area.Use stimulant monies for transportation to revamp rail systems,bus lines ,etc. to run to all towns and cities first.The problem has been the maintainence cost over decades has closed rail lines that use to run everywhere,and bus lines that use to do the same.It wasn't cost efficient to run to small towns anymore so they shut them down.Mass transit use to be a dream of this country,now it's a joke compared to systems overseas.Highways aren't the only infrastucture that should be rebuilt.

Big bro will track your miles, know where you are and would also be able to track your speed. Then they could get additional revenue every time you exceeded the speed limit.

HAH, to the highway inspector, What are you complaining about? You'll just write it off as a business expense anyway..... you dumb *ss !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jb-521413

Writing it off as a business expense does not get you money back! You only don't have to pay tax on that tax. Talk about dumb *asses!! Brain dead tools like you are why we are in the situation we are in. Based on your comment, you are more than likely a parasite.

I'm seeing alot of "writing-off," "mass transit," and "public transportation" on the vine. If this federal taxing system where to be implemented nobody will be exempt from it. Those who have mass transit available will be paying more to offset the new tax burden placed on the transit system. All businesses that require transportation services, such as the consultant above and the truckers supplying our grocery stores, will ultimately pass the costs on to the consumers. The consultant above will require compensation from the state he works with to offset the tax, the state will then pass the bill on to the tax payers of that state. This tax, if implemented, will increase our costs across the board and will damage our economy even further the same way the rise in gas prices did last summer.

amen

and even if you did live in a city. would you be willing to spend 3hours transferring between buses to get where you're going everyday.....rather than the 15 min trip it takes in a car. very few cities have transportation systems that are adequate for the number of square miles in question. not to mention the fact that public transportation in the city is a good way to get taunted, robbed, or worse. and maybe it's different elsewhere, but the bus drivers in this city are maniacs, you'd think they were driving sports cars.

It will never work. This is an urban area mentality. Those of us in the rural areas that have to drive over a 100 miles a day might as well quit our jobs. I moved from back east to the midwest. I know the mentality of easterners. They think everthing is close by and accesiable by some means of mass transit. They have no idea what its like to drive a long distance to anywhere. Heck most people in large cities don't even own a car.

You are so right. Obviously this is based on city driving. What about the people who live in rural states where there are small communities not large urban cities with mass transit? I live in Texas and nothing is close, but we have toll road and gas taxes now. Would this mean we pay those plus mileage taxes? Maybe Congress should look for ways to cut the budget ( no more pet projects for paybacks) and be fiscally responsible for a change. What a novel idea! We are beginning to look less like the USA and more like the US of Cuba.

ah yes, fiscal responsibility. kinda like when we had a budget surplus 10 years ago.............if only we hadn't been taken down the wrong road by a "false conservative".

and for all you who consider yourselves conservatives. remember, someone calling themself a republican doesn't mean a thing. look harder, very few are truly conservative

Hey, we may have had a "budget surplus", but we still had an enormous national debt that just keeps on getting bigger. 'Budget surplus' is just some kind of accounting gimmick meant to make us look like we're in the black; when we definately aren't.

Think about what this will do to the truckers, UPS and Fed X guys!!! We thought the prices of food went up to cover cost of gasoline when it jumped to $4 a gallon, what's going to happen when UPS gets charged per mile?? When truckers have a GPS on their trucks when they drive across country??

Talk about killing the American spirit, this WILL send us into a Depression.

We all know it just begins there... next they'll use that same GPS to send you a ticket for speeding, not coming to a complete stop etc. TOTAL CRAP! BY ALL MEANS LETS GIVE UP ONE OF OUR FAVORITE NATIONAL PASS TIMES... THE FREEDOM OF THE OPEN ROAD! BIG BROTHER ANYONE?????

I think your calculation is off. Shouldn't it be $375.00?

I glad to see this person has done the math on this and reading most of the prior comments, has anyone also concidered the cost of the GPS and its installation, who is paying for that ? Is the US goverment sending up secret satellites just to gather mileage on every car driven within these borders. How are going to handle travel, let's say a vacation to Canada ? For an old man - Sec. of Trans. should consult with an ailing Auto industry how this can be accomplished ? They are better off to collect gas tax, obviously the idiot hasn't worked with lawn mowers and snow blowers, will they need GPS units for them too ? Nothing has been mentioned about motorcycles, ATV's, better yet - how about boats - go back to your sheltered life...

Yeah the Gov. might break even in about 60 years from now, then they could start funding the Hy. system again, no on secon thought it would take 300 years cocsidering all the gov. people steling from the funds

I swear our so call sane and responsible representatives (Congress and Senate) must have an automatic refill prescription for Stupid Pills that they take 3 time a day, in some cases they been in DC to long and their brain cells have died off (that is if they had any to begin with). But they all been running on stupidity for so long they have forgotten what its like to be intelligent.

lol junk, rather than just ask about a math correction. just do the math, it's very simple....or even get out the calculator if the mental math is a little rusty.

and based on the equasion put up, yes, it's 37.50

mr. junk...do you have a calculator? is it working? 37.50 is correct.

Will the truckers be included in this? All this will do is raise the cost of food and gas and everything else that is delivered. They pass on the milage to the consumers already. Hnry you are so right give it a year and it will be one cent amile or more and then watch the price of everything increase to offset the trucking industry.

This certainly wont benefit the trucking industry. Truckers already pay enuff in fuel taxes and on top of that a road use tax on every truck that rolls down the road. Rates for truckers are dropping everyday. We arent able to pass on any additional cost in operating to the public.that is a misconception. It is the stores that pass on higher costs to the consumer. I have have less money every year for the last 12 years not more. I stay in this business for the love of it not the money as i dont really make much more than 40k a year..This is just another cash grab by the governnment to waste more of our money..Whats next a tax on how many times we flush our toilets

and besides, my worthless american car('07 chevy cobalt) just cost me $1000 in service......at 40k miles....none of it covered by the barebones warranty. how am i gonna afford a mile tax when i can barely afford to keep the engine turning.

oh to have my '01 honda civic back :(

Amen to that - no more IRS, no more tax code, no more stressful filing every spring. Granted, no more refunds, but I can live without that as long as beauracracy is diminished. Also, I agree with the comment above about Congress decreasing their compensation . . . why should they get to live "High on the Hog" while the middle class struggles to make ends meet each month?

Flat tax make way to much sense. We must think more like Socialists. You know, out of the box(mind). We have the perfect opportunity now, with a Liberal left lefty president, senate, & congress. Not to mention a bunch of middle of the road GOP joining in. Here we come, the next Canada, Sweden, or Venezuela. Hugo would be Proud. So would Putin

This country is sliding downhill into an abyss of epic proportions.

I agree a flat tax for all, and a paycut of 50% to all congressman and senators, and make them pay 50% of their cost of their healthcare. and no more traveling on government aircraft,make them fly coach in commercial airlines

I agree! These stupid idiots don't care about the "little people". They are just worried that their fat paychecks will decrease & Heaven forbid that happen! Maybe if they had to drive themselves to work they would reconsider this mileage tax! But NOOOO they have their middle class driver to pick them up and take them where they need to go - let's see how long Mr. Middle Class Driver still does his job once he's being taxed to drive their rich lazy a**es around. I'd be willing to take that job for a day, pick up Mr. Rich and drop him/her off in "the bad part of town" & turn a blind eye! Stupid gov't! What next? They are taking over banks, health care, driving, mortgages- who can say tax for simply existing?!? I suppose we will be waiting 4 hours in line for a loaf of bread soon since they will probably take control and ration our food as well! Well, people, hope you're happy- this is the "CHANGE" most of you voted for! I TOLD YOU SO- there I said it!

AMEN! When the liberals get into office they spend and spend. But they vote themselves a pay raise, and get all their benefits. I do not want them controlling my bank account, the way they have managaged the gov.

I'm all for tax reform but I think a national sales tax is best. That way you are taxed on your consumption not on your income. If you consume more then you pay more. Then add a VAT to ultra luxury items (i.e., personal yachts, personal airplanes, luxury automobiles, gas guzzlers (I drive one but bought it used), etc.).

Then it's time for government reform, make our leaders pass a balance budget amendment, stop giving themselves automatic raises, have them pay for their own staff's salaries and expenses (after all, we only voted for the congressman or senator not his whole retinue of cronies) and take the friggin commercial travel (I'll consider letting the elected official fly Business but his cronies fly at the elected officials dime) like they are forcing CEOs of bankrupt companies to do...after all their performance is no different, they both waste billions of dollars and come to the tax payers for more.

Force all able bodied welfare receipients of working age sweep the streets, pick the fruit, and mostly get off their tush and work for the welfare check (bet they will get off welfare saving tax dollars and increasing tax revenues pretty quick).

Force all the idiots who bought homes to meet their moral and financial obligations and pay off their loan. Restructure the term of the loans to 50 years and indenture them to the home they bought. They bought the home as a responsible adult and should be held responsible to repay the loan. If they are unemployed, place the payment on the back of the loan until they are employed an then garnish their wages so they live on the basic necessities, no luxuries (e.g., eating out, t-bone steaks, alcohol, cigarettes, new cars, etc.) until they can make the full monthly payments.

Have we as Americans become this irresponsible, immature, and insane?

I agree with you TY_HI! All these homeowners are going to make it hard for the rest of us to get loans even though we are paying for our homes! I don't even live in my house, haven't for 7 months because we have to sell it because the job transfered us out of state, but guess what- I'm still paying my mortgages! Both of them! And paying inflated rent on a tiny duplex until it sells!!!! So $2k a month just in house notes and we are just your typical middle class family living on ONE income! 2 incomes would be better if day care weren't soooo expensive! It's called a budget- everyone should have one! If you can't eat it or haven't outgrown it- you DON'T need it! We do not allow ourselves any "luxuries" because they are pointless! Plus we choose to meet our financial obligations first and foremorest. We made our bed and we are lying it - wish the rest of America would get on board and do the same!

I also agree with you on the welfare debate! I say just do away with it other than the elderly - who the program was designed for anyway! Now too many people are mooching the system b/c they are too lazy and we've let them get away with it WAY to long! Get a job! They really aren't too good to haul trash or work in fast food like they think they are! But who needs to work when the gov't gives them OUR money! So, free food, housing, drugs- and has anyone else noticed that most of them drive Cadillacs and Lexus??? Guess WE are paying for those too! Gotta love the Government!

FedupinTX - Have you had to look for a job lately? I think not and I think you are pretty lucky to even be able to pay both of your mortgages. Jobs are scarce. I've got a client who needs to sell her home or be foreclosed upon. Client was lifelong in retail, was injured while working, had surgery, had surgery to repair the surgery, not able to work yet, went thru savings and 401k just paying mortgage and standard bills (can we not even talk about our soaring utility bills!!). I've been trying to help client sell personal items and find a job so homelessness can be avoided. Help wanted is very very thin and we live in the DC suburbs. I used to think all the foreclosures were because of irresponsible people but not so much lately. Oh the loosers are still out there - and they always will be but I try not to be heartless.

I have an idea, every federal government employee takes a pay cut of 20% for those making hourly wages and 30% for those on annual salary. This still keeps them well above the minimum wage even for the lowest paying jobs on the totem pole. Then we will see who is really committed to the country and who is just getting a free ride. No more mileage expenses, no special treatment from the government, only federal holidays observed, work every other weekday, no more chauffeurs, no more first class trips, no more travel just because, no more anything but an honest days pay for an "honest" days work.

Teal, just because someone works for the federal government doesn't mean that they are corrupt. The system is what needs to be changed - you must be jealous that you aren't able to be a freeloader yourself.

You're an idiot. I'm a federal employee and have none of those benefits, with the exception of mileage reimbursement for work (customer) related travel! I typically work 60 hours per week; most of that in the office. First class travel is illegal and the budget has been cut so much to support the wars, that travel at all even for training is extremely limited! And what days other than federal holidays do you think we observe?? This is a good example of the general ignorance of people like you when it comes to federal employees who actually work hard to provide you with security, safety, freedom, clean water, medical research, historical preservation, etc. Its thanks to our efforts, military and civilian, that idiots like you retain the freedom to make such assinine statements.

"You're an idiot. I'm a federal employee and have none of those benefits, with the exception of mileage reimbursement for work (customer) related travel! I typically work 60 hours per week; most of that in the office. First class travel is illegal and the budget has been cut so much to support the wars, that travel at all even for training is extremely limited! And what days other than federal holidays do you think we observe?? This is a good example of the general ignorance of people like you when it comes to federal employees who actually work hard to provide you with security, safety, freedom, clean water, medical research, historical preservation, etc. Its thanks to our efforts, military and civilian, that idiots like you retain the freedom to make such assinine statements"

WB, you should say who you are dissing; I can't tell who the idiot is in this case!

WB, sorry; I've actually figured out who you were replying to, and you're right......he is an idiot, and that's being kind!! I was a fed for over 30 years, and have continued in my public service as a contractor supporting our nation's security for the past 8 years. I can't recall how many times I've spoken with folks just like this bozo, who believe that all government employees are just a bunch of freeloaders. First of all, people like him probably deserve whatever $hit has been piled on him over the years, particularly since he seems to be mentally challenged to the point of being nearly unemployable. If this bozo or others like him ever had to contend with, much less understand some of the hardships, dangers, and sacrifices most of us in federal service "enjoy" almost daily in our careers, they would all scamper back to their red neck bars and boozy pals.

MikeG-I agree with you. I am a fed employee and I work about 50 hours a week. I think the bozo is refering to people like my boss, who actually vote on things to raise our taxes. I am talking the "public image" feds like members of congress and the senate. I think the average fed employee is like the rest of us, hard working, watches their budgets, etc. This economy is hurting most of us. Yes some aren't feeling it, but the very rich are the very few also. There is a big lack of common sense in DC, I see it every day in the papers that come across my desk. Myopia regins supreme. The waste is so big that it has become a monster out of control. My desk cost the taxpayers $1100.00. The same desk at Office Depot retails for around $500.00. Do I need a $1100.00 desk? No the old desk worked just fine, but it was part of if you don't spend it, you lose it thing. My boss puts in a lot of hours for the voters back home, but most of the time it seems like he's running in circles trying to circumnavigate the hawllowed halls of congress. He is not in favor of a milage tax, To quote "no *^#@! way! What a lame ass idea".

KB -- you hit the nail on the head: WASTE.  And that's the problem with most feds.

With only a few occastional exceptions (that also exist in every other walk of life) most federal employees with whom I associate are decent, honest, hard-working people who really do want to serve the public that pays their salary.  BUT -- the amount of waste in just the day-to-day operation of the government is STAGGERING!  In general it's not "caused" by the average government worker, but it is also not STOPPED by the average government worker.  Don't know if that's because they're afraid to speak up, or if it's just a habit.  But one thing I learned a long time ago working in the private sector is that the worst thing a company can do is set policy that "causes" employees to make bad decisions.  And it appears that's the only thing the government knows how to do any more.

Regarding the mileage tax itself -- once again we see that no good deed goes unpunished.  They encouraged us to use less gasoline, so we did that -- partly by driving fewer miles, driving slower, telecommuting and car-pooling, and so on.  Since there have been gasoline taxes for a very long time, did it not occur to anyone up there in the ivory tower that that would generate less tax revenue?  Sort of begs the question of who will pay the mileage tax on the limos that some of the high-ranking feds use to get to work from places like North Potomac and northern Virginia.

It's funny, you all think that only happens with federal workers? Hell no! It happens in private corporations, too, and you absorb the cost through the prices set on your consumption.

Government isn't the culprit, people, it's the mechanistic, bureaucratic management model that is so pervasive in government AND the private sector - The private sector just isn't accountable, because for some reason people don't seem to care that it's causing the price of everything they consume to be much higher than what taxes contribute to the cost. As long as they have the opportunity to shell it out of their own free will, they are able to turn a blind eye to the fact that they're getting completely screwed.

I have worked for the government(a state), I agree with you. I think majority of the replies, are referring to the Senators, Congress and upper levels. I know I didn't get any bonuses, or special days off. The Politicians should not get all the special things they get. That is what ticks off the general public.

I agree !!!!!!!!!! My solution to a LOT of our problems with $$ is so simple, and that is why no one in D.C. can see it. STOP ALL Foreign Aid for one year !!! Tell them that as of Jan. 1st, 2010 they are on their own for one year so start preparing now ! With all the money the U.S. would have, we could solve almost all out OWN $$ problems and take care of our OWN PEOPLE for a change.!!!!!!!!!!! DUH !!!!!!!

Look at what state this Republican comes from. The same state our "President" comes from, how do you think he became part of the the Presidential staff?

No not all Government employees live high on the hog, just those that are elected. They are the only ones who can VOTE themselves a raise without the people knowing about it until it has already passed.

The quicker Obama gets to the "line-by-line" over every department the better. I expect BIG things to bring money back into the Treasury, thank-you! We have to get sensible, pragmatic and extremely budget cutting consciousness in the government! Carry your anger to your rep's, please. Don't forget your city, township and state governance either!

jkve,

If Mr. Obma was going to be serious about going through anything line by line, he would have done that to the so called "stimulus" bill and caused all those pork flavored earmarks taken out.. Oh, I forgot, there "weren't any earmarks" in it.

No, it wasn't earmarks, it was just standard typical DemonRat spending programs....they were chewing up the place waiting to get them funded. As they said, they weren't going to let a big catastrophic situation such as a potential economic depression go to waste.....as in to hell with the national debt; fund those programs!

Ahh, more "standard typical" juvenile immature name calling. Learned it from Rush and Ann, no doubt! LOL

How naive can you be to think the price of gas would ever go down when the Gov't has their hands into it.............. I do see tourism taking a major hit though and THAT is the reason this will never happen...... the Governor's will put their foot down uin Wash. D.C. first !

What you say is true Army Typer, and I can also see the big picture here. I really don't want the govt. tracking my where abouts 24/7 and making me pay for them to do so, and if they want to institute such a plan then they should at least make an attempt to package it so that it is palatable to the average citizen. I currently pay more than $20.00 in taxes on my cell phone per month that includes the tax that the feds charge my provider that has been passed to me to pay. Can you see where this is going?

I disagree. This idea stinks. First, I don't want the government to be able to track my driving habits: it's an intrusion into an already shrinking privacy. Second, some of us have to live in suburban areas because the cost of housing is cheaper, but the jobs are never close by. My commute is 30 miles/day one way and I really have no other options (well, longer commutes). So is it fair that I get taxed simply because of the job I do? No! Third, since the tax would apply to businesses, do you really believe businesses will absorb the additional tax burden? No, they'll pass it on to their customers. So in addition to being taxed for miles driven, you'll be paying additional taxes for the businesses you purchase from.

This idea is typical of how government thinks. Instead of looking for ways to reduce expenses, the government spends money thinking about novel ways for increasing revenues. At some point it has to stop or have we lost our backbone as citizens?

Where in the article does it state that gas tax will be decreased? It does not!!! I drive from a major metro area to outside the area, where there is no mass transit system connection. How would I get to work without my car? The tax per mile system is an asinine answer. Why not just cut some pork from the multiply bail-out bills we have had? Too much like right!

I don't understand how ANYONE could think this is a good idea. If there is a tax on mileage the price of everything will go up. How do stores get their inventory? By truck! So the company has to pay for the mileage it took to get the supplies to the store - guaranteed, that will be passed to the consumer. So now, for those in rural areas (of which I am not) not only do they end up paying the mileage tax, but sales tax and higher prices for the items they need. All this is is a way for politicians to garner more support in the largest cities in the country. Let's face it, the money would only go to the mass transit programs anyhow. Another example of big government crying, "We need more MONEY!" rather than trying to fix the corruption and defunct programs that haven't worked (or have just ate up money) for years.

Sorry ArmyTyper...desk job may have made you crazy about this idea... I have OnStar, some have Car Security that they paid for to keep their cars from being stolen. Bad argument for big brother. OnStar has a "tracking device" for those that want big brother to lower their insurance rates, not me... I like to punch it occasionally to pull around a truck, or two and I don't want my black box reporting me, thank you very much. Why would I invite this? I'd rather walk and ride a bike, or take the bus. Rural folk's, eh sorry options are limited, but I'd be looking for a motor cycle I guess...

He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither.

In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution, with all its faults, — if they are such; because I think a general Government necessary for us, and there is no form of government but what may be a blessing to the people, if well administered; and I believe, farther, that this is likely to be well administered for a course of years, and can only end in despotism, as other forms have done before it, when the people shall become so corrupted as to need despotic government, being incapable of any other.

I completely agree, plus think of this: Do you think the government will absorb the cost of this GPS chip/clock/system being installed in all vehicles on the road? No, don't think so! We will have to pay for this too. Sounds like a sorry idea that should be scraped all together. Quit wasting our tax dollars for your love of pork, spend our money smarter, then a small increase in gas tax if absolutely necessary. In the end it would be cheaper than the huge start up cost of this "outside the box" GPS idea. Who put all these morons in charge anyway?

Who put all these morons in charge anyway???? HELLO!!!!! YOU DID!!! (well, maybe not the particular moron referred to in the article) Are you or are you not a voter? You have the power to put a different moron in charge in the near future too. If you are NOT a voter, there is no right to complain!

Mass transit only works if you live in an area where it is established. I agree that it is nice to have around, but it is a system that is in dire need of rethinking. It hasn't made money for years, and takes away from programs that could help more people in each state than it does those in the city who actually use it. Rural America is paying for that bus/metro, and never using it themselves. Find a way to make established programs work without asking for more money. Of course, that would mean work - and what politician wants to do that?!

amen

Please name one mass transit system that is not subsidized by the Government . They can not charge enough to be self supporting. Is this do to the waste in the system?? Or to many Gov. controls??? Plus as said what about all the areas that don't have mass transit??

While I would probably be too chicken to try to dismantle the GPS...that brings up a GREAT point...the cheating possiblities for this are nearly endless!!!

Not to mention that there is no way that they'll actually end the gas tax.

LaHood is an idiot.

If you have ever used gps you know anything overhead will block it even riding thru a cut in a hill will block it whats the goverment doing to do when you park your car in the garage for the night and the gps stops or your stuck in traffic under a bridge and again it stops. You know they will look at anyone trying to cheat the system but the system doesn't work that great.If anything they should reduce the tax for the time your stuck in traffic infact why not reduce the tax for driving under the speed limit (there is another use for it speeding tickets how long before the states pickup on that)?

I'm surprised no one else has picked up on the opportunity for tax-revenue disguised as speeding tickets. At that point, there would be no need for a trooper to sit in his car with a speed gun - it'd be some tech guy sitting in an office somewhere. Then the federal government would charge the local a finder's fee making the fine go up! Sounds like a great idea - NOT!!!!