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<div><font color="#000000">While I generally support user-based
taxation schemes, the proposal below adds insult to the injury of the
Risch/GOP Idaho tax-the-poor taxation "reform". The sales
tax is the most regressive tax. Given the sales tax loopholes already
in place for ag and timber, once again the Idaho GOP will be
disproportionately sticking it to those who can least afford it. All
so we can build a highway from Boise to Dirk's retirement home, among
other dubious road projects.</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000"><br></font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Mark S.</font></div>
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<div><font color="#000000">**********</font></div>
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<div><font color="#000000"><br>
Sales tax on Idaho fuel requested</font></div>
<div><font color="#000000">Board cites shortfall for road
building</font><br>
<font color="#000000"></font></div>
<div><font color="#000000"><br>
John Miller<br>
Associated Press<br>
November 17, 2006<br>
<br>
BOISE - Driving in Idaho may get more expensive.<br>
<br>
The Idaho Transportation Board recommended Thursday that the state
keep its 25-cents-per-gallon gas tax, while extending the 6 percent
sales tax to fuel.<br>
<br>
The board says the additional money from the sales tax is needed
because the state faces an annual shortfall of $200 million for
highway construction - or $6.1 billion over the next 30 years.<br>
<br>
"We're not just crying wolf here," board Chairman Frank
Bruneel said. "Skyrocketing construction and maintenance costs,
stagnant revenues and Idaho's explosive growth have created a funding
crisis that needs to be addressed."<br>
<br>
The request will be forwarded to the 2007 Legislature and Gov.-elect
C.L. "Butch" Otter.<br>
<br>
Officials said levying a sales tax on gas could raise $108 million per
year. The board, which oversees the state's road-building agency, also
recommended that lawmakers pass measures to raise an additional $95
million.<br>
<br>
Those include proposals to eliminate a tax exemption for ethanol,
boost vehicle registration fees by 75 percent, and levy a new state
surcharge on rental cars. Other proposals would increase fees by 75
percent for trucking permits and Transportation Department services,
and introduce road-related impact fees on new construction.<br>
<br>
The new money would help pay for state and local highways, Idaho State
Police, railroad crossings, bridge inspections and the state
Department of Parks and Recreation.<br>
<br>
The plan is based on a report by the Forum on Transportation
Investment, an independent committee that in two years has held 14
meetings across Idaho. It made recommendations on how to improve the
highway system - and find a way to pay for it.</font></div>
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