raise my taxes, please

Today’s Coloradoan has an article about possibly doubling the state gasoline tax from 22 cents to 37–44 cents.

Yes, absolutely, please.

Not only will this move raise money to improve our existing infrastructure, it will most likely effect a change in driving behavior as well, causing people to reconsider their driving habits. This is exactly the nexus of government policy and social behavior that can actually have positive benefit for our society and planet.

I can already hear you muttering under your breath that this type of tax is regressive and hurts the lower classes disproportionately. My response is that we can use the extra funds generated by this tax to improve public transportation and get it in a state where it’s actually useful to Colorado citizens. The affluent will continue to drive and pay the higher tax, thus funding a benefit for the indigent.

Of course, that sort of move would require political courage from our legislature as well as an educated citizenry that can see beyond the immediate pain at the pump and visualize a cleaner, greener future. I’m not holding by breath, but one can dream, no?

Here’s to the $hundred-barrel.