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TexasTowelie

(111,314 posts)
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 12:57 AM Apr 2013

Perry touts car tax for roads

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry threw his muscle Friday behind the idea of using a portion of future sales tax revenue from auto sales to inject hundreds of millions of dollars annually into the state's depleted highway fund.

But a rough road awaits the governor's proposal — along with similar ideas being floated in the House and Senate — as the Legislature's top budget writers aren't down with the plan.

The problem: Revenue from auto sales tax goes into to the state's general revenue pot, and budget writers are loathe to tap that money for anything other than basic state functions — even for desperately needed road projects.

“The budget writers have reservations. They are very protective of the revenue they use for the budget,” said state Sen. Robert Nichols, a Jacksonville Republican who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee and is pushing his own plan to use some vehicle sales tax dollars for Texas roads. “I understand that, but I also understand there is a need for transportation.”

More at http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Perry-touts-car-tax-for-roads-4431581.php .

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Vinnie From Indy

(10,820 posts)
2. You can bet that there are Perry campaign donors
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 01:04 AM
Apr 2013

at the other end of that proposal. It's the way Republicans roll.

tanyev

(42,360 posts)
4. Wow, I'm surprised he wouldn't prefer to make our neighborhood streets toll roads.
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 09:16 AM
Apr 2013

Although I guess none of the money from all our new toll roads are actually going into state coffers.

TexasTowelie

(111,314 posts)
5. Yes, on the Texas 130 bypass around Austin
Sat Apr 13, 2013, 03:15 PM
Apr 2013

it costs the same to ride a motorcycle as to drive an 18-wheeler since the state lowered the charges on multiple axle vehicles. The credit rating on the company responsible is looking at a possible downgrade since the anticipated traffic levels haven't been met.

Expect an increase in the motor vehicle registration fees and I wouldn't be surprised if they raise fees for drivers licenses also.

Javaman

(62,442 posts)
6. Oh joy, another one of cement head perry's road projects...
Mon Apr 15, 2013, 10:23 AM
Apr 2013

I wonder which of his friends will make bank on this?

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