During the homestretch of the 2024 election, I complained repeatedly about the absence of serious engagement by presidential and congressional candidates with the critical issue of the national debt. Most said virtually nothing about the eye-popping federal deficits of the past few years, while others claimed that excising “waste, fraud, and abuse” or “making billionaires...
Driving the annual NC average of 16,073 miles, the driver of a 10 MPG truck pays about $650 in gas tax towards state roads, while the EV owner only contributes a $180 registration fee.
When the North Carolina General Assembly enacted its budget revision for the 2022-23 fiscal year, it contained a major change in how the state funds roads. Until now, the system relied overwhelmingly on revenue from taxes on motor fuels, taxes on vehicle sales, and annual vehicle registrations. Unlike many other states, North Carolina doesn’t have...
Many conservatives agree that North Carolina’s transportation system has a long-term funding problem. But higher gas taxes aren't the right solution.
Over the past decade, the only major category of state spending that has dropped significantly in real terms is highways.
On a per-mile basis, North Carolina is in the bottom five states in the nation in funding for highway construction and maintenance.
A new 24-member commission is studying North Carolina transportation needs anew. Its members would be well advised not to put the cart before the horse.
While some NC conservatives spent the past few months arguing for a major change in the state’s motor-fuels tax, certain columnists remained unconvinced.
It looks like the debate over possible toll roads in North Carolina isn't going away anytime soon. Here are some useful resources for studying up on the issue.
