Issue with Issues 1, 2, 3

Whenever elected officials agree in unison on an issue, I want to pause and wonder. It’s either a really good thing for the people or really good for the politicians. To say it’s good for both equally is contrary to the laws of physics, just following the “science.”

1. Money is usually always the underlying motive. This year’s ballot includes what seems really good for the people of Arkansas, road improvements. In 2012, the Issue was passed on the ballot to collect a $0.05 sales-and-use tax for road improvements. The Highway 167 four-lane construction was part of that project. It was an Amendment to the constitution to collect taxes over a 10 year period, ending in 2023. The program was so successful they want to make it permanent. Also, passed last year “to provide additional revenue for the maintenance and repair of highways, streets, and bridges in the state” was Act 416. It increased gas taxes by 3 cents a gallon and diesel by 6 cents. This is the first time in 20 years fuel taxes increased. To be fair, they increased the registration fee on hybrid and electric vehicles, $100 and $200 respectfully.

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