Saturday, February 18, 2012

18.4 Cents A Gallon

So with all the talk about the Highway Transportation Fund being debated in the House and Senate (see Smart City Memphis and bikeleague.org) there is only one logical way to actually fund it: the ever-taboo tax raise.

But what does that actually mean for you and me, the "normal" Americans? Well currently, as the title of this post states, you are paying a tax of 18.4 cents per gallon of gas, 24.4 if you run diesel. That amount has not changed since 1993. Here's a little perspective for you: "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston was #1 that year. Weird, huh?

So that's gotta be a huge increase in tax, right, what with inflation and all? Six to Eight cents. That's $0.06 to $0.08. That adds up to about a $4.00 increase per month, or 1 extra gallon, that we have to pay. That will fund the highways, bridges, transportation enhancements (bike lanes, rec trails, Safe Routes To School) for about 20 years when we might have to think about raising the tax again.

And "Whoomp! (There It Is)" by Tag Team (#2 song for 1993).

1 comment:

sbanbury said...

Robin Hood would ride a bicycle!