Talk Elections

Sponsor: Inks.LWC

I understand we're looking at budget shortfalls and deficits, but one of the things we should not be looking at is increases on gasoline taxes. I've voted in favour of increasing some excise taxes, but I will not vote to increase gasoline taxes. Sorry, but this is a no from me no matter what.

This nation's reliance on gasoline will not decrease while we have tax prices that do not account for the externalities from gasoline on our society and environment.  This tax does 2 things: 1) Raises money in the short term; 2) Encourages development of alternative energy.

In reality, it only discourages driving, which is the most vast and widely accepted means of transportation in our society and only increases the burden on citizens who use individual transport as a means of commuting. We cannot put a larger strain on families who are already suffering. I see no correlation between encouraging energy development and raising gasoline taxes. The reason is because they do not correlate.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Mr. Speaker.

However, we should get the GM's ruling on this.  If it would discourage driving too much to the point that we would lose revenue, at this point in our budget, I think it is more important to get our budget balanced and then work on pushing environmental responsibility.

I'm hesitant that this would be counterproductive to increasing revenue, as not as much money would be pumped into our regional government.

Part of my point, yes.

Well that's for the GM to determine.

I agree on these two points. I would probably support this legislation as is and would absolutely support it if the increase was a little smaller.

how so?

It's simple - if people are spending that much more on gas, they won't be spending as much at Mideastern businesses.

Bump so I don't forget this

2 things:
1. I'd still like to see an estimate from GM Shua on whether or not this bill would actually end up generating revenue in the grand scheme of things.
2. Regardless of the answer to Question 1, I still remain unlikely to support this bill - this would just provide more of a squeeze to middle-class citizens in our region, something I don't think we can afford to do right now.

I agree these increases are too much. I'd go with 17 cents per gallon for gasoline, and 15 for diesel. In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as a primary energy resource, it's very important for prices to be increased, but many middle class families will have trouble adjusting to a change of that magnitude at this time.

I'm still vehemently opposed to this.

These numbers are slightly higher than, although are mainly in line with, current taxes in America.

I'm aware of that, but I still fear it'll be too drastic of a change at this time. If we can successfully pass a smaller increase now, perhaps they can be further increased and set at your proposed levels in future sessions of the assembly.

What is the current gasoline tax in America?

To my knowledge, there is no federal gasoline tax in Atlasia, but someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd perhaps be okay with a slow implementation process.

It varies by state.

I'd like to amend the bill to read the following.

I've been doing some research:

To my knowledge, Atlasia does not have a federal gasoline tax. If we went off what RL, the federal tax would be (rounded) 18 cents for gasoline and 25 cents for diesel. On top of that, states have an added tax they impose. Combined, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan has a gasoline tax at (rounded) 60 cents. Ohio is at 46 cents. Virginia is at 38 cents.

That being said, I thank Inks for bringing this amendment up - the numbers proposed in our current budget are actually WAY lower than what they should be.

That all being accounted for, I would actually like to offer the following amendment for consideration:

Why is diesel more expensive?  It was less when I looked it up for American taxes.

It's even worse for the environment, if I am not mistaken.

It is.  I just didn't realize that was the reason behind it here.  OK, that's fine with me.

I'm going to do both of these amendments at the same time.

Voting is now open on the following amendment.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 24-hour vote.


Voting is now open on the following amendment.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

Assemblymembers, both pieces of legislation are an improvement on the status quo, but right now, we're trying hard to get a balanced budget. Even the amendment I proposed, bringing the taxes to 35% and 40%, respectively, is still actually lower than what the regional average is, and is much lower than what other regions in Atlasia has done, specifically the Northeast, who has it at over 70%, I believe.

If the budget passed as it was now, there would be a dramatic decrease in gas prices, but also in revenue for our region. Right now, we're trying to balance a budget - let's try and keep the status quo.

NAY

AYE

1. Nay

2. Aye

The fuel taxes imposed in other regions and in America have changed my mind on my own amendment, so I will not be supporting it anymore.

Nay

Aye

I'll hold this open 12 more hours to allow 20RP12 to properly change his vote.

Aye on this one.

NAY
AYE

Is voting over on the amendment? If so, can we move to a final vote on this bill, Mr. Speaker? There seems to be unanimous support for it, and it will play a huge role in reducing our deficit, reducing dependence on oil, and protecting our environment.

Is everyone okay with the current percentages, or does anyone feel like we should even go higher? Our rates are still actually lower than many states - this would still be a cut for many regions, which would promote more dependence on oil. ;)

I think I will go ahead and propose this amendment, though I will still vote for the bill in the current amended form if it does not pass.


These rates are still lower than the national average, and even lower than those of most Mideastern states in reality.

Better still :)

Voting is now closed.

On the first amendment, the AYEs are 0, and the NAYs are 5.  The NAYs have it, and the amedment is not adopted.

On the second amendment, the AYEs are 5, and the NAYs are 0.  The AYEs have it, and the amendment is adopted.  The bill now reads as follows:

This will now be taken to a final vote.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote.

Mr. Speaker, please stop the vote and bring forth the following amendment (or accept it as friendly, as I think just about everyone else supports it).

Woops!  I missed that.  Thank you.  Vote closed.  Debate is now open.

OK, voting is now open on this version of the bill.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 48-hour vote.

AYE

Atlasian gas tax is 12 cents/gallon.

Aye

Aye

AYE

Voting is now closed. The AYEs are 4, and the NAYs are 0, with 1 not voting.  The AYEs have it, and the bill is passed.  The bill is now passed onto the Governor for his signature or veto.