The Incredible Shrinking Gas Tax Rate

I write letters. This one only made it to the Seattle Times' online page:

Louise Pasche wants the final gas-tax increase that was approved by voters when they overwhelming defeated Initiative 912, a whopping 1.5 cents per gallon, to be canceled ["Washington's gas tax," Times, Northwest Voices, June 23].

At present prices, that would be a mere one-third of 1 percent the cost of a gallon of gas.

The price of gas has risen locally by more than $1 in the past year, which has effectively reduced the state's tax rate on a gallon of gas by 28 percent in that time.

Washington voters recognized the need for investing in our transportation infrastructure three years ago, and that need has not gone away. Gimmicks such as calls for a federal gasoline tax "holiday" have been seen for what they are — pandering — and even worse, reckless energy policy.

Cancellation of a 1.5 cent gas-tax increase will only starve us of much-needed revenue for hundreds of projects statewide.