Comments on: Roanoke chamber gets behind McDonnell transportation plan

By: Love It Here

Love It Here — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 21:21:53 +0000

While it’s a good idea in theory if you look at it specifically – it does in fact shift ALL of the burden to Virginia residents. Knowing that I-81 is one of the heaviest North South Interstates in America (which means the majority of vehicles using the road are out of state and won’t be shopping in VA) combined with I-95 which is THE heaviest traveled interstate in American – again, VA carries that burden…does tip the balance unfavorably on Virginians. The reality that no one wants to hear is that TOLLS will be needed without question within the next 10 years. You can’t avoid it and it is a fair and balanced approach that will generate revenue from the millions of out of state cars that use our in-state roads. No one wants to hear it – but is is true.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:41:29 +0000

“Finally: what’s to stop the petroleum industry from merely raising the price of gasoline to equal the cut in the tax?”

This. What are the odds our prices at the pump drop dollar for dollar to the tax elimination? I put it them at none. On the other hand, the increase on the sales side is a sure thing.

And LarryH, gas usage is entirely within your control.

By: urman

urman — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:08:41 +0000

Wow–what a giveaway to the folks with gas guzzlers and a hit to those driving non-fossil fuel vehicles. Why must people who drive very little subsidize the consumption habits of others? More: I notice diesel tax will remain. Why doesn’t the Chamber advocate for ending the diesel tax for truckers and diesel car drivers? These folks will get a double whammy in this scheme. Finally: what’s to stop the petroleum industry from merely raising the price of gasoline to equal the cut in the tax?

By: Rob

Rob — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:42:39 +0000

Out of state people make non-gas purchases in the state, so they would be sharing the burden.

By: Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:46:01 +0000

Why would the Gov scrap the current tax that allows out of state travelers to share in the cost of roads for a plan that would shift that burden completely onto the residents of the state?

Why should only Virginians pay for roads that are used by people from all over the country?

By: gdad

gdad — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:30:00 +0000

We definitely need a long-term plan, but endorsing this abomination?

By: tass

tass — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:03:18 +0000

Did the Roanoke Chamber support Roanoke City’s meals tax increase a few years back?

By: Larry H

Larry H — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:19:17 +0000

If people would sit and think, they would realize that the McDonnell gas tax plan saves the people a lot of money, and, you CAN control what you buy, and how much. You HAVE to have gas to drive. You cannot do without it. This tax doesn’t affect groceries. At less than a penny on the dollar, I think this is a great plan! I know it will help me.