We feel the need to run the nearby graphic once again in this column for opinion purposes. You'll note the folks over in the news section have run it a couple of times or more in the last 10 days. Because if a photograph is worth a thousand words, a good graphic is worth at least a hundred. Or as Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes once said about one article in his local modern newspaper: You can tell this one is important because it has a story next to the graphic!
The governor has called a special session on highways starting this week. And if there's a more deserving issue for a special session, please suggest one. We understand Broadway from the river to I-630 is a state "highway"--that is, when it's all there. It might be easier on the shocks (and tooth fillings) to drive across a cheese grater. Doubtless you could name your own local highway/interstate/safety concern.
But raise the gas tax, as some have suggested? See the graphic again.
Arkansas has higher gas and diesel taxes than any neighboring state. How many truck drivers stop in Oklahoma before crossing over the state line to fill up on fuel--to save almost a dime a gallon--and not have to stop again until they get to Mississippi? If the state of Arkansas raises fuel taxes again, that'll be even more reason for folks to zoom from border to border without stopping. And avoid buying coffee, burgers and Razorback T-shirts--and avoid paying taxes on it all. It's a downward spiral. Or certainly could be.
If you think having higher taxes (sales, income, you name it) is holding economic growth down in this state, join the ever-expanding club.
The governor has a proposal on the table that will fund highways without raising taxes, at least in the short term. He wants to use some state surplus funds and move other money around to increase the state's match for federal highway dollars. Which sounds responsible enough, conservative enough, Asa Hutchinson enough.
Lawmakers appear to be ready to vote on this plan soon enough. And most seem to be thinking about longer-term changes sometime in the future. Good.
The governor's plan sounds like it would be in the best interests of Arkansas' people. And drivers.
Editorial on 05/19/2016