What are we waiting for? Raise the tax on gasoline by 10 cents a gallon immediately. With inflation figured into the current price, gasoline hasn’t been lower in decades. The costs would be minimal, yet the benefits almost limitless.

Just think what $1 extra on 10 gallons of gasoline sold in Maine could do for the infrastructure in our state, which is in such great disrepair.

Think of the jobs that would be created in both the public and private sectors while taking some of the burden off our other taxes and spending

Consumption and affordability would not be affected in the least. Just look at the figures when the price was $3.

The argument that prices would rise on complementary goods and services doesn’t wash in the least bit here. How many prices have we seen go down at the supermarket with the drop in the price of gas? Can you think of a better way or time to give a long-term boost to our economy?

I know taxes are not popular, but we are not talking about a progressive tax, like our income tax here, which we all know needs severe revamping. We are all skeptical of government spending, but this tax is specifically earmarked for the public infrastructure we all need and use.

Everyone pays the same percentage (nice). The tax can be prorated if legislated properly. If the price goes up, then the tax can come down – achievable with today’s accounting technology.

If a raise in the federal tax comes about, we can adjust as well. The time is right and the need acute. We cannot waste this opportunity.

Richard Paine

Wells

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