Sunday, July 16, 2006

TRUTH ALERT: Higher Prices Mean Less Money for Road Work

According to an article that appeared in the Pierce County Herald June 12, 2006, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is expecting the road-building fund to be $68 million in the red. They contribute this to higher gas prices.

Gas Revenues are now expected to be $70 million less
than what was projected a year ago. Higher gas prices are also resulting in fewer car sales and that means motorists will pay $26 million less than expected or vehicle registrations.


This really does show that those who call for a higher gas tax to fund road projects (in Minnesota the leader was Rep. Ron Erhardt, R-Edina) clearly don't understand the consequences/simple economics. Higher prices, less demand, lower prices more demand. Higher taxes, less revenue, lower taxes, more revenue. Higher tax, higher price of gas, less revenue.

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