McCaskill opposes mileage tax

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

McCaskill opposes mileage tax
Associated Press | Posted: Thursday, May 12, 2011 6:19 pm | No Comments Posted

Sen. Claire McCaskill told the Obama administration Thursday she opposes efforts to track drivers' mileage, a stance that could inoculate the Missouri Democrat from GOP attacks as she approaches re-election.

In a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and provided to The Associated Press, McCaskill wrote that any proposal to tax drivers based on miles they drive will place a burden on already cash-strapped motorists.

"As you know, there is a vital need to improve our nation's roads and related highway infrastructure," McCaskill wrote to LaHood. "However, this is not the right time to raise funds by imposing a vehicle miles traveled tax on people who are already cutting back."

The Obama administration also opposes the tax, said Olivia Alair, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Transportation.



Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/article_8f0871a3-da59-565d-8857-792d3b7e05b7.html