In a typically clever political move, Leone and his group also are promoting Proposition A on the November ballot, a smaller tax increase enacted by statute rather than constitutional amendment that is basically intended to head off larger increases. It would increase taxes on tobacco products a total of 23 cents per pack by 2021. Leone & Co. figure if their Proposition A passes, they will have a good argument for avoiding further increases for several years.
One can complain the petroleum and c-store group effectively stymies additional funding for transportation and other needs by consistently working against tax increases on motor fuel and tobacco, their primary stock in trade, but the main complaint should aim at state legislators and citizens at large who repeatedly agree to avoid proper funding. Years ago a proper move would have been a big increase in federal motor fuel taxes, with money rebated dollar-for-dollar to states collecting and remitting the money. I tried this idea often on candidates for Congress. None would touch the idea.
We should not waste time criticizing the morals or intent of Leone and his group. We should beat them at the polls, so to speak.
Should we vote for Proposition A? It’s a devilish question. We need the money, but Proposition A is a half-loaf destined to postpone rather than enhance road and bridge funding. Leone’s group will win either way.
I’m in the mood to vote “No” on Proposition A in hopes we can quickly get on to a better plan, but I reckon the thing will pass, providing a trickle of current funding but keeping us in the funding mire a while longer.
HJW III