Increasing the Gas Tax

I am growing increasingly alarmed at the number of politicians, economists, and in this case, newspaper editors, who continue to insist that an increase in the gas tax is a cure for our economic woes. If Bill Clinton wishes to keep his most important campaign promise--no new taxes on the middle class--he must reject all new gas tax proposals. Gas taxes and other sales taxes hurt the consumer far more than any other type of tax, because they are immediate, out-of-pocket expenses.

In Southern California, especially, gas is as vital as food and water, and yet some still suggest that we should increase gas taxes. I urge Clinton to keep his campaign pledge. Otherwise, the rich won’t be the only ones to get soaked.

TIM CARES

San Diego