An interesting thought, but I suspect like most Americans we just don't trust the government. Once they get their hands on money (taxes) they spend it frivolously so even the best plan that gas tax funds would flow back to the taxpayer is not realistic. You're right, it's not the way to get elected.
Thank you for the comment! If set up as a transfer payment scheme with money flowing back to the taxpayer I think it’s perfectly realistic. Social security does that with over 99% efficiency (how many dollars taxed get sent out as benefits, implying very low administration costs). I think the biggest political problem is most people cannot adequately conceptualise incentives to see the merits of a tax and return program like this.
That comment was from Crismon Lewis logged into Vivienne's account. FYI.
An interesting thought, but I suspect like most Americans we just don't trust the government. Once they get their hands on money (taxes) they spend it frivolously so even the best plan that gas tax funds would flow back to the taxpayer is not realistic. You're right, it's not the way to get elected.
Thank you for the comment! If set up as a transfer payment scheme with money flowing back to the taxpayer I think it’s perfectly realistic. Social security does that with over 99% efficiency (how many dollars taxed get sent out as benefits, implying very low administration costs). I think the biggest political problem is most people cannot adequately conceptualise incentives to see the merits of a tax and return program like this.
Hmmm...good thought. I guess I still get suspicious and worried anytime money goes into government coffers and we expect it to come back whole.