The ‘myth’ of diverting state gas taxes away from roads

QIn the past, you have explained that the gas tax was used for a specific reason, such as for road improvements. Wednesday, I read your column, and under a complicated tax swap, money that had been marked for transportation now goes to public safety, local health and social services programs and city and county operations.

What the hell! Did the money for roads get hijacked? Again?

— Tony Banks, Redwood City

ANo. All state gas tax revenue goes solely for roads and highways and has for decades.

Traffic officials say it’s a myth that transportation funds have been diverted. “The facts are quite the opposite,” said Randy-the-MTC-Man. “It is transportation which has gotten billions of General Fund monies.”

According to the Reason Foundation, California doesn’t divert gas taxes the way many other states do for transit, pedestrian and bicycle projects, and environmental, education and even tourism.

But we rank nearly first in the nation in terms of the amount of state gas tax we pay at 50.5 cents per gallon.

We divert revenue from other driver charges, such as registration and license fees, to law enforcement and rail transportation.

California spends revenue generated from automobiles on non-roadway purposes.

Over $8 billion a year is partially allocated to the California Highway Patrol, the California HighSpeed Rail Authority and local public transportation.

QPlus, adjusting for inflation with the gas tax is just another way the legislature keeps digging into our pockets.

— Tony Banks

AAdjusting for inflation is a wise move. Many states do this. It ends worries and complaints that gas tax funds don’t keep pace with inflation.

QI cannot believe that electric cars have gotten a gas tax break until this year. It should be retro to all-electric vehicles as they use the roads just as much as any car.

— Tony Banks

AI agree with you on this point. It’s time that electric car owners pay their share. They soon will, to some degree, with a $100 per year fee. This will go higher.

QFrom what I have read, most gas tax money is redirected to other causes. My testament to that is the roads are still not being maintained anywhere close to what they need to be. Is this accurate? If not, then why are the roads still in suboptimal conditions most everywhere I go?

— Tom Gow, Martinez

ANo, it’s not accurate that gas tax funds are being transferred. But decades of neglect left a massive shortfall of billions that is only now being dealt with to fill potholes, repave roads and make other much-needed repairs.

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