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Trying to make up for not having sales tax?
Not to worry, Oregon has enough other taxes to make up for the lack of a sales tax. Our total tax bite is on par with most states, if not higher. I actually prefer the idea of a sales tax, but not as an add on to what we already pay. What I like about a sales tax is that everyone, not just Oregonians pay a sales tax if they buy products in our state.
Based on the article I read, the mileage tax is a substitute for a gas tax. Many of our roads and bridges are the shit. If there is no money to fix them under the current system and we honestly need to raise more revenue then doing it by charging people for the mileage they drive could be a solution. Like with the lack of a sales tax, people who are not Oregon residents, escape paying. They, meaning companies whose trucks are licensed elsewhere and yet tear up our highways and byways would be exempt from this tax.
I think it is an poorly thought out solution to a big problem.
At the risk of having to trade in my liberal badge, I must say that I am tired of these convoluted ways of exacting more taxes from people. Much of what state and local government has lost due to tax restrictions, they've more then made up for in fees and levies.