It's Not Only Driver Abuse Fees, But Abuse of Taxpayers
Tuesday’s Washington Post reports that the “driver abuse fees” passed by the 2007 Virginia General as part of the Comprehensive Transportation Funding and Reform Act is becoming an “election weapon.” With all 140 members of the General Assembly up for reelection in November, the Post reports:
“many lawmakers say they are being deluged with comments from constituents opposed to the fees, which are aimed at drunk and reckless drivers.”
Publius II has a column at Bacon’s Rebellion explaining that these “needlessly harsh” abuser fees are nothing but a cover for higher taxes. In a Q&A format, he concisely explains what they are and how they originated.
The Post also reported the unelected Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) filed a suit in Arlington Circuit Court on July 13 asking it “to quickly rule on the authority’s right to raise taxes across the region. That will be an interesting decision since this article in the DC Examiner on July 20 reports that “NVTA’s authority to raise taxes appears illegitimate. According to the Examiner:
“As Del. Bob Marshall, R-Manassas, points out, the Virginia Constitution requires approval of any such regional entities “by a majority vote of the qualified thereon in each county and city which is to participate in the regional government . . “
When “bitter political rivals who are fighting for control of the General Assembly” (Gov. Tim Kaine (D) and Speaker of the House William Howell (R)) join together, you know that taxpayers better batten down their wallets. And that is just how the Washington Post reported on Friday, saying the two are mounting a “joint defense of (the) new fees.”
Will all that money being plundered from Northern Virginia and Tidewater taxpayers be enough? Not if you read this article in Friday’s DC Examiner. For further details see the July 13 and July 19 NVTA press releases about the taxes/fees approved by the Authority and the bond validation suit. Remember, it’s not just those abusive driver fees. There's also the sales tax (technically called a grantor's tax) when you sell your home; the rate is 40 cents/$100 of valuation. There are registration fees, and you’ll now pay a sales tax on the labor charges when you get your car repaired.
What happens to all those other taxes you pay? Unable to control spending on special interests, the General Assembly just watches as spending increases faster than inflation and population increases would justify. Thus, the need for more taxes and fees from you and me.
Fight back! Sign the online petition opposing the abusive driver fees. Over 148,000 Virginians have now signed it. And write or call Senators Ticer and Whipple and Delegates Brink, Eisenberg, Ebbin, and Englin. America’s citizens. If you need their e-mail addresses or their phone numbers, contact ACTA’s president. Deluge your senator and delegate with calls, letters, and e-mail!