Readers question whether tax shift would lower gas prices, fix roads
LANSING – Would prices at the pump actually drop if the state does away with the 19-cent gas tax and raises the sales tax by 1 percent to improve roads?
Readers responding to Wednesday's post about state Senate Finance Committee testimony say they're skeptical the plan would work, and that they'd end up paying more money both at the gas station and every other store.
Sen. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, wants to start a discussion about a constitutional amendment repealing the 19 cents per-gallon gasoline tax, but adding to the 6 percent sales tax.
Walker said the gas tax isn't generating enough money to keep Michigan roads in good shape, and using the sales tax would spread the costs to more people.
“This would allow all of Michigan to be contributing to road funding,” Walker told senators on Wednesday. “That's fair, because everyone benefits from the roads, not just the people who use them.”
Walker said the drop in per-pump price would make Michigan more attractive to travelers and businesses compared to border states.
Reader LadyBuggs likes the idea.
“ I can't tell you how many times people I know ask me for rides, either to the grocery store or a doctors appointment because they have no car. Ohio charges 8.7 percent sales tax. I think Oklahoma has 7 or 8 cents on the dollar. Both states have cheaper gas than Michigan. Another penny on the dollar isn't going to kill, make or break anyone. I'd rather pay a higher sales tax than be gouged another $40 when I have to renew my license plate. Good God, people, it's time for everyone to pay – not just people with cars. It's like renters getting to skate on property taxes when it comes to school funding. It should come out of everyone's paycheck, not just the homeowners.Gas Lansing Nc - News
By Dave Murray | The Grand Rapids Press AP Photo/Chuck BurtonMyryam Adams, of Wesley Chapel, NC, pumps gas at a Costco warehouse in Matthews, NC, last month. LANSING – Would prices at the pump actually drop if the state does away with the 19-cent gas
Michelle Nuff from Lake Odessa said she will be traveling about 40 miles to Lansing for Christmas Eve, but the price at the pump will not create a kink in her plans. “It's doesn't really hinder anything, but it doesn't make me feel like going to the
In the past decade, gas has been 5.7 percent of a family's budget. This year, gas averaged more than $3.50 a gallon. / Associated Press file photo The Associated Press Gas prices in the Lansing area tumbled an average of 18 cents per gallon last week.
In addition, we have to question the Spartans' effectiveness away from East Lansing. They surrendered 31 points in a loss at Notre Dame, scored only 10 at Ohio State and got dumped 24-3 at Nebraska. Even November victories at Iowa and Northwestern