March 11, 2019
Montgomery, AL – Alabama citizens and businesses are once again fighting off another attempt by the State to satisfy its thirst for money.
Not only has Governor Ivey gone back on her campaign promise of no new taxes, she is on record stating in an interview that the legislators were “coached” on the plan.
Retired CFO Gene Finley noted additional hidden and relatively unknown taxes in these bills, saying, “The fuel tax is indexed to the National Highway Construction Cost Index. Both the tax and the license fee provide for a built in increase every year for the tax and every four years for the license. This bill effectively provides for tax increases in perpetuity. That’s right, vote once, heap on new fees forever.”
Residents of Alabama who are tired of politicians reaching further into their pockets should blow the whistle on what the officeholders themselves have called RAIP (Rebuild Alabama Infrastructure Plan) and the accompanying taxes and demand that this plan be put forward for a vote by the citizens.
“The feeling of politicians eying my wallet with gleam in their eyes fills me with a dreadful sense of danger,” says Libertarian Party of Alabama Chair, Laura Lane. The RAIP calls for a 10 cent increase over and above the current 18 cent state tax on gas and 19 cent tax on diesel, as well as other hidden taxes.
State legislature is ignoring the citizens cry for on-line betting, a lottery, marijuana sales, and legalized gambling. Drawing in out-of-state travelers who would provide a substantial portion of the required revenue is the rational choice rather than hammering residents for more of their paycheck and retirement funds.
RAIP moves to the State Senate now and we demand they provide a legislative referendum for the citizens to vote.
A few years ago, about 100 elected officials and government employees visited a European air show! Some also visited other countries to evaluate their school systems. The transportation fund was raided to give pay raises to judges. How many miles of road and bridge work were sacrificed? How can we trust the state with more of our money?
Macon County Commission, accepting the lead of the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama, has moved a resolution to legislature for an increased four cent fuel tax and the option for taxpayers’ to vote on an Ambulance Tax, says Macon County resident Frank Dillman. The commission unanimously supported a one cent sales tax for the school system.
Dillman continues, “Between state, county and municipality fees, occupational licensing, and taxes, when is this going to end? Macon County’s per capita income is about $17,000 and the state is also pushing through a fuel tax and additional registration fees on vehicles and motorcycles.”
These bills are being rushed through before most citizens have the convenience to study them, which denies citizens’ engagement and is unethical. In fact, the three bills for the RAIP could be on the Governor’s desk within seven days of its original reading in the House.
In addition to the greater costs at the pumps, the bills provide for exorbitant registration fees on electric and hybrid cars and increased registration fees on gasoline automobiles and motorcycles.
