Pete Kasperowicz
The Blaze
6/13/2014
…CBO imagines collecting the tax by fitting each car with a device that tracks how far the car has gone. That data could be read electronically whenever someone uses a toll or stops at a service station for gas.
While CBO admits there are some privacy issues involved, it suggested that the electronic devices would be used to generate information that is only collected by a private entity, not the government, for the purpose of calculating mileage taxes…
…Many seem to agree that the increased fuel-efficiency of cars has made it harder for the government to raise money via the gas tax. That 18.4 cent-per-gallon gasoline tax has also not been increased for years, not even for inflation.
CBO said if the tax were adjusted for inflation, drivers would see a 30 cent-per-gallon tax today.
Members of Congress have floated several proposals to find more highway money. Several senators are discussing a tax holiday for overseas income that is repatriated into the United States, which could raise billions of dollars.
In the House, GOP leaders favor a plan cut out Saturday mail delivery to find short-term highway money.
Few members have talked openly about imposing a VMT tax. Late last year, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) proposed a VMT tax, and said it would create a more stable funding base for federal highway projects.
Read the entire article at The Blaze.
