SB 2016-043 - Gas Tax of 2016 (Passed Senate)

[Leinad]

Would it not be wiser to index the gas tax to the price of gas instead of inflation?

I'd suggest both.

A simple way to do it would be ensuring that the gas + the gas tax would equal the same amount, while an also-simple variation of that would be to set a minimum and maximum (i.e. gas price + gas tax = $2.50 in 2016 dollars, with a minimum of $0.10 in 2016 dollars and maximum of $0.30 in 2016 dollars, so in this example a gas price of $2.20 or below would have a $0.30 tax, and one of $2.40 or above would have a $0.10 tax--so the gas price-to-gas tax graph would look vaguely like a recliner chair). Some math tricks could probably make it smoother.

[Leinad]

Anyone want to amend this bill or debate further?

[Leinad]

With alterations similar to those proposed by yours truly last year:

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Hopefully the last part makes sense, basically:

Gas Tax = $0.23 - (Price of Gas - $2.50) / 4

but only in cases where this:

$0.23 => Gas Tax => $0.08

also remains true.

Anyway, I think this is a good step to keep this from hurting everyday Atlasians should the price of gas increase. (I also cleared up the switch mid-bill from "gasoline tax" to "gas tax" for pedanticness's sake)

[Leinad]

The amendment has been adopted.

[Leinad]

I'll call a final vote tonight unless anyone objects.

[Leinad]

I'll call a final vote tonight unless anyone objects.

"tonight" is just a state of mind...

Anyway, I now open a 48-hour final vote on this bill.

[Leinad]

Aye ftr (the gas tax is a very libertarian tax)

[Leinad]

With 2 (or 3 if you're being forgiving with the voting period) members voting in favor, 0 against, and 4 (or 3) not voting, this bill has passed the Senate.

[Leinad]

I'll make sure to bring it to the attention of the Speaker.