[jeffk]

This increase, like many tax increases, is being carried on the back of a phony crisis that simply demands a tax increase to fix the serious problems that exist.

There was a bridge collapse in Minnesota. It was tragic and scary. People were killed and there were a lot of terrible images on the TV.

The New Hampshire public officials’ reaction was, understandably, to immediately review bridges of similar construction (of which there were few) in this state to verify that none posed a public threat. They didn’t.

Then the political snow job started. There are many bridges on the state’s “red list”. The name itself evokes danger. Everyone assumes that the “red list” bridges are dangerous and in immediate need of replacement. The only problem is, it isn’t true. “Red list” bridges are on the list because they are in need of some kind of work. Most are completely safe. Some have a little extra rust or are in need of painting. “Red list” bridges are inspected more frequently to make SURE that they are not degrading to the point of danger.

Then it became necessary to increase the tolls to address all this URGENT work. Perhaps if all the money that is collected in gas taxes was actually used for road maintenance, rather than being siphoned off to non highway uses there would be no need for any increases.

In addition, a lot of the money on the highway project list is for completely new projects. While it might be nice and convenient to complete these projects, delaying them is probably not dangerous. If the “red list” bridges are such a concern, why not have a moratorium on new construction until all the existing bridges are up to snuff?

Once again we have a political game being played. The difference is that the democrats wring their hands and take advantage of the situation to raise taxes. Republicans would probably have reviewed the highway project list, made sure truly critical work was prioritized to the top of the list, and delayed or cancelled other projects. This has happened in the past.

These types of decisions are made by people every day. You need to repair your car’s brakes and you need to paint your house. You can’t afford to do both. You decide to fix the car because it poses possible danger if you do not. Your house looks shabby for a year. It’s on your “red list”.

Businesses also constantly make choices between important things they need to do. They prioritize and work on what they have resources for. The rest gets delayed or dropped.

Why does government get to take more money? The answer: Because they can! And we are dumb enough to let them!

Are you seeing red yet?