This is scary, goverment out of control.

[Grumpy]

TALLAHASSEE  -- State lawmakers may change the way people pay taxes on gas, no matter what kind of car they drive.

It's a concept called vehicle miles traveled, or VMT.

Right now, when someone pumps gas they are paying 34.5 cents a gallon in state tax. But the VMT would work differently.

Drivers would pay based on how many miles they drove since they were last at the pump.

The information would be transmitted to the pump by GPS technology.

People who drive sport utility vehicles wouldn't see much of a difference because they buy plenty of gas already.

However, those who drive more fuel efficient vehicles that can go a lot further on a gallon, could have to pay a lot more when they fill up.
More Information

 VMT advocate Doug Callaway says that's exactly the point of revising the tax.

"It's (the state tax) not bringing in the revenues that it has in the past because you have more fuel-efficient vehicles. That's a good thing to have more fuel-efficient vehicles, but when people are driving more and yet the funds going into the trust fund are less, you've got a fundamental problem," Callaway said.

And then there's the privacy issue. The government would essentially be able to track drivers' movements with a GPS in every car. Critics of the mileage tracking have that on their side too.

VMT supporters say the system could even be adjusted to charge people more if they happen to drive during rush hour in densely populated communities.

They compare the concept to electric bills where people are charged based on how much power they use and when they use it.


I can see it now, my lawn mower will use about 50 gallons a week.

[Jack]

Sounds like a great idea!  Thanks!

[x]

Oddly enough Grumpy, we agree.  I have no use for any technology that tracks where I am... and for a gasoline program, they can positively f*ck off.
 
More importantly, what they are trying to accomplish is already accomplished in a gas tax.  Guzzlers pay more.  And if you think we need to make a Prius pay more because it is too cheap to run, then put it into the yearly tag charge.

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing... and without the government tracking me.

[stude31]

Oddly enough Grumpy, we agree.  I have no use for any technology that tracks where I am... and for a gasoline program, they can positively f*ck off.
 
More importantly, what they are trying to accomplish is already accomplished in a gas tax.  Guzzlers pay more.  And if you think we need to make a Prius pay more because it is too cheap to run, then put it into the yearly tag charge.

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing... and without the government tracking me.

whoa!!!   

I haven't seen that side of Eagle before....  I must agree with you on this one!!!

[G-Man]

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing...

Because..............this is how government works.  The more complicated and expensive it is, the better.

[x]

Oddly enough Grumpy, we agree.  I have no use for any technology that tracks where I am... and for a gasoline program, they can positively f*ck off.
 
More importantly, what they are trying to accomplish is already accomplished in a gas tax.  Guzzlers pay more.  And if you think we need to make a Prius pay more because it is too cheap to run, then put it into the yearly tag charge.

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing... and without the government tracking me.

I tell you, I am rarely into conspiracy theories but this GPS tagging of private automobiles sound seriously like someone trying to cash in... is it Garmin?  Who are the rest of the GPS companies?  Any one could be doing it.

One way to get fabulously rich is to make the government mandate what you sell.  Legislators proposing this crap don't know sh*t from shinola from a set of GPS coordinates.  But, they do know contributions for a seemingly innocent program.  Except that every law enforcement bubba from the lowest speed trap cop to the director of the FBI sees the potential.

So, it is a brilliant marketing ploy.  Bring it in under the guise of 'fair' gas tax... and let the 'law enforcement' salivate over that they can give them.



whoa!!!  

I haven't seen that side of Eagle before....  I must agree with you on this one!!!
[/quote]

[x]

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing...

Because..............this is how government works.  The more complicated and expensive it is, the better.

I've worked for government, Harris County, serving more than 2 million souls.

Government is actually no different than business in some respects.  You have those loyal to the cause or program.  You have those that see the organization as their personal ticket to wealth/power/fame.  Most people in government just try to do a good job.  They want a good evaluation.  They want to be promoted.
 
It is not government that is behind this... they are quite content to maintain the status quo.  It has got to be an external agent... most likely a company that will profit grandly.  
 
So, before you beat up on government too much, remember that it is business that perverts it.

[Sonny]

This is just an opinion, as ya know every one has one of those too!

But it's just another way to get more money one way or another!  When a savings is found by one or more means there is cost increase somewhere else to compensate for that savings. It's simple, they will get their money one way or another.

And or simple way to find out where you are and when that being said, so much for freedom of the road.

[Mikey]

I'm going to have to disagree. No one really has to profit from anything the government (someone usually does, but that's how anything works). The fact is that the government does what whoever screams the loudest wants, and not what is good for the general population. If you doubt this, go and visit your representatives. A perfect example is 2012 emissions for diesel trucks. By the time anyone who cared about the otherside (the trucking industry, companies like CAT, Peterbuilt, Cummins, etc.) heard about it, it was already well on it's way through the system. The end result was an emissions goal and a timeline that were both unrealistic. Just another fine example of too much government.

[fstsix]

OMG not our cars GPS ? What happens if they put GPS in our cell phones they could find me hiding in my closet. C'on Guys were SCREWED 

[RoadKill]

Some one has to pay for all the wasteful spending. Tax Cigarettes first...when everyone quits smoking, tax hamburgers,when they stop eating fast food you can tax socks and underwear.....

[fstsix]

I'm going to have to disagree. No one really has to profit from anything the government (someone usually does, but that's how anything works). The fact is that the government does what whoever screams the loudest wants, and not what is good for the general population. If you doubt this, go and visit your representatives. A perfect example is 2012 emissions for diesel trucks. By the time anyone who cared about the otherside (the trucking industry, companies like CAT, Peterbuilt, Cummins, etc.) heard about it, it was already well on it's way through the system. The end result was an emissions goal and a timeline that were both unrealistic. Just another fine example of too much government.

Yep got a Cummins Just Google (6.7) and you will see the joke of the decade And No Class action against Chyrsler because Before Bailout lawyers new it would be Charged off in BK.

[Skinhead]

They are trying to raise tax revenue (especially here in MI) with all the unemployment, plant closings, and the increase in fuel economy, they are losing a lot of tax money.  Now the GPS manufacturers prolly see an opportunity as well, Those of you with OnStar can already be tracked.

[Sludge]

Oddly enough Grumpy, we agree.  I have no use for any technology that tracks where I am... and for a gasoline program, they can positively f*ck off.
 
More importantly, what they are trying to accomplish is already accomplished in a gas tax.  Guzzlers pay more.  And if you think we need to make a Prius pay more because it is too cheap to run, then put it into the yearly tag charge.

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing... and without the government tracking me.

Um , I ... uh... Im speechless....

We are in... complete agreement.  Um.... I cant believe im saying this... but ... Well said Strong Eagle!

[bigvalkriefan]

HOLY CRAP, I actually agree with SE.  ???
I never thought I'd see the day! 

[Psychotic Bovine]

If this happens, I predict this product will be the next "must have" item!
http://boingboing.net/2009/07/30/gps-jammer-plugs-int.html

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I just want to make it clear that no matter what I totally disagree with one person in particular.

On record. 

Raymond

[Jack]

 

[Dogg]

OMG not our cars GPS ? What happens if they put GPS in our cell phones they could find me hiding in my closet. C'on Guys were SCREWED 

Um, sad part is, they ALREADY can track you by your cell phone. AIt's called a cell phone NUMBER.....and if its on, they know where you are.

[RoadKill]

I dont mind if "they" know where I am or what my movements are. If anyone wants me...come an git me! But be PREPARED,I am an American and will defend myself! ! ! !  So why worry ?

[fstsix]

OMG not our cars GPS ? What happens if they put GPS in our cell phones they could find me hiding in my closet. C'on Guys were SCREWED 

Um, sad part is, they ALREADY can track you by your cell phone. AIt's called a cell phone NUMBER.....and if its on, they know where you are.

Yep i was being sarcastic they already GPS our cell. I have reported road rages time to time and after calling 911 you have to remove your battery to clear your phone from their system.

[rainman]

Let me tell you about the government. They will do what ever it take to pad there own pockets first and for most. You don’t see the government down sizing their big cars to a more fuel-efficient car do you.  Some tell me why in 1979 you could buy a Honda that got 50+ miles to the gallon and to day you cant even find a car that will get close to that on the open high way. The government tells the auto makers what there car’s will get per mile and that is that.  Take a look at the car's on the lot today.  I don’t care what you look at they all get what the government mandates. All car not trucks will get between 28 and 30 miles to the gallon. This includes v-8, v-6, and 4 cinders. Hell even the smart car only gets around 38 on the open highway. Like I said what has happened.

What has happened from 1979 till today. The Honda accord that had got 50+ miles to the gallon and I didn’t have to pussy foot around with it I drove it like a v-8 75 and 80 mph everywhere I went.  So if the government is for the people then they would not be passing bills that is going to be padding there pockets and big business. Today you hear of hard working people loosing their jobs or taking a pay cut just to keep the jobs and that includes you government offices and the people that work for the A__ Holes You Sure Don’t Here Any Govern or congressman or may of the state senator's taking a pay cut. 

HEY SENATOR LET ME PUT A HALF MIL IN YOUR SWISS BANK ACCOUNT TO GET THIS BILL PASSED.  YOU CAN MAKE MONEY FROM MY PRODUCT.   

Don’t get me wrong this is still the BEST DAM COUNTRY TO LIVE IN.
we just need to clean house in D.C and local government as will!!!!!!!!     

[Grumpy]

Oddly enough Grumpy, we agree.  I have no use for any technology that tracks where I am... and for a gasoline program, they can positively f*ck off.
 
More importantly, what they are trying to accomplish is already accomplished in a gas tax.  Guzzlers pay more.  And if you think we need to make a Prius pay more because it is too cheap to run, then put it into the yearly tag charge.

Why the hell invent this high tech scheme when simple alternatives mostly do the same thing... and without the government tracking me.

The bad thing is some of the technology is already in place, Onstar and other systems can give location now.  One thing for sure, next election I think it is time to clean house.