Engine-size fee bad idea

Sat., Jan. 10, 2009

The Spokesman-Review

I am concerned about a bill (SB6900) being proposed in the state Senate which adds an “engine displacement” fee to the vehicle license tabs upon renewal. This will do great damage to the budgets of retirees on fixed incomes as well as others who struggle to make ends meet.

Four years ago, right after our governor was elected, our state passed one of the highest gas taxes in the nation for roads and transportation and now they want more.

My wife and I are living on Social Security and would find this a tremendous challenge. We own a 20-year-old midsize car with a 3.3-liter engine. We’d have to pay $225, based on their chart. It seems that the ones who thought up this scheme didn’t think it through very well.

Contact your representatives and ask them to prevent the proposals of SB6900 from coming into existence.

Ted Baker

Spokane

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