Among the new bills introduced in the legislature this week is a cap on the motor fuel tax (HB399). The flat tax rate on a gallon of gas is 17.5 cents. The variable wholesale rate is 3.5 cents per gallon or 7 percent of the average whosesale price, which slides upward with that price. The new [...]
Transportation & Infrastructure Archives
NC May Lift Annual Car Safety Inspection
SB 123, Eliminate Motor Vehicle Safety Inspections, would eliminate the annual safety inspection program for automobiles. The legislation was inspired somewhat by a 2008 General Assembly Program Evaluation Division government watchdog report that found the inspection program largely ineffective. The chief sponsor, Sen. Stan Bingham (R-Davidson), noted that new technology and cars in addition to [...]
State budget writers told economy is rebounding but another year until robust growth
Members of a joint legislative budget panel were told by fiscal researchers revenue collections are on target but still below what is estimated for a new budget. Here’s what the budget writers will have to consider for budget increases: $300 million for retirement pensions $150 million more for the State Health Plan $110 million in [...]
Obama’s Rhetoric Was The Only Thing “Shovel-Ready” About the Stimulus
Economist Robert Higgs examines the numbers dispersed thus far by the federal stimulus plan and finds that only a small fraction of the dollars spent have gone to “shovel-ready” projects – a main selling point of the bill. At the time the bill was being debated and discussed, a common plea in its defense had [...]
NCDOT Proudly Announces Another Unstimulating Stimulus Project
In a bold press release written in all caps across the top of the NCDOT website, the NCDOT Rail Division boldly releases its new plan to spend $43.4 million in stimulus funds as a part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). How stimulating might this plan be you ask? This stimulus project will [...]
