Did the DMV raise registration fees?

[question everything]

We moved here two years ago with two older cars. It appears, though, that instead of the registration fees going down, they are going up.

The base fee is the same, even though the cars are two years older, but now each renewal includes a $4.50 "filing fee."

[trotsky]

1. Remember, raising a fee lets you keep your promise not to raise taxes.

Seriously, Pawlenty has done just that. Fees are up all across the board, primarily because a fee is the Republican dream tax: regressive as can be.

[no name no slogan]

4. That's EXACTLY what's happened

Same goes with his new "Drive to Excellence" program for the state government. He's got a bunch of high-falootin' consultants from Deloitte in every state agency. Immediately, 20% of each agency's budget is to be CUT. Another 20% is possibly on the table, while only 60% is guaranteed. The whole plan is to "increase efficiency" to save the 20%, but our state gov't is already pretty efficient in most respects.

Here's his game plan: he'll shave 20% off each agency, and then he can go to the leg in January and show them that he's got a "surplus"-- which means he won't have to raise taxes, although our state gov't is already running on a shoestring due to the last 6 years of Jesse/Pawlenty neglect.

Not to mention the "user fees" that have gone through the roof. But what do you expect when you put the Repubs in charge of government?

In the words of noted Republican pundit P.J. O'Rourke: "Republicans say that government doesn't work and then get elected to prove it."

[Wickerman]

2. They privatized

maybe that is the answer. We now have to go to some box store in a stip mall to register. Gov Jesse lowered the fees, as I understand (I was a newbie then and the fees were much lower than Texas). When I registered my old Toyota last Spring the rates were still low, but it could've included that service fee without me noticing.

[trotsky]

3. Jesse lowered the rates for new vehicles.

It used to be with 2-3 year old cars the base rate was a LOT higher. Tied to the original purchase price, if I recall correctly. Jesse had it capped at $99. Wow, that's GREAT if you're rich and getting a new car every 2-3 years, isn't it?

[loveable liberal]

5. it really didnt make a difference

people who itemized dedcuctions on taxes got to write off the fees anyway......it was a non issue.