I agree that taxes suck, but I don't have a problem paying gas taxes. I don't know how it works in other states, but in California, that's where the majority of the money for road maintenance and improvements comes from. When I lived in the Valley, the roads sucked, but where I am now, they're pretty impressive. Especially after travelling to and driving in the southeast last Christmas.
Then there's the "exit number" thing. Apparently, there's some Federal regulation that says that all exits on highways and freeways are supposed to be numbered. This law has been on the books for over 50 years, and I believe that most states are set up this way, except California. Everyone here was fine without the numbered exits for years, but it seems that some recent folks that moved here from elsewhere complained about it loud enough that someone listened. So, now the state has to come up with $300 million to number all of the exits on all of the freeways and highways in the state, and modify all of the signs. Fortunately, that expense will also come out of the gas tax coffers.
Take care,
-Chris
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