Several weeks ago The Herald, in an editorial, published its support for the defeat of a state-wide initiative that called for the revoking the state gas tax increase. Their support was justified because the county of Snohomish needed relief from the neglect of the state legislature in providing necessary updates and improvements to the transportation system over the years. However, the one-party controlled Legislature and governor pleaded and cried that our state budget needed the relief because they couldn’t afford to pay for the years of neglect that wasn’t addressed by previous legislatures.
Like some of you I recently received notice of car registration renewal. I was shocked that the $33.75 registration tabs was substantially increased to now include a $10 charge for my particular vehicle weight. I thought it reasonable but then a new requirement for new reflector license plates for $24 was also required. So my yearly $33.75 tab renewal was now $67.75. But wait, it’s not finished. If I wanted to retain my existing plate number, that would cost another $20 for a total of $87.75.
In talking to my legislative representative I learned that when a better and cheaper reflector plate solution was offered, the governor opted for the more expensive version and vetoed that line item.
I’m angry that this one-party controlled legislature and governor has the audacity to drive this type of tax increase on the public on one hand and then force through a gas tax on top of it all under the guise transportation improvements. Has anyone noticed that the projected budget surplus so far is year is estimated at $1.5 billion and counting? What should we call this out-of-control state government? It surely couldn’t be called Robin Hood, because they arrogantly rob from both the rich and the poor.
Gerald Schackman
Arlington
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