Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-01-27
The Motorists Tax

The American Automobile association has entered
. vigorous protest against what it terms unjust dis
elimination" against the automobile owners of the
united States In the matter of taxation.
A survey recently conducted BY the association
shows that in 1927 the car owners Of the United States
paid $725,555,s12 in federal, state and municipal taxes,
and that for the ten year period, 1927, the total tax
es paid by motorists aggregated s4.47e.s77,s5o.
This is a staggering sum, it must be admitted; but
the fact must be taken into consideration that there
are over twenty million automobiles in the United
States, and when the tax is distributes among this
number it does not impose a heavy burden on the indi-
vidual car owner.
The figures cited might be construed as discrim-
inatory. but there can be no question that the average
American car owner receives more from the tax paid
on automobiles than he receives from the tax paid on
any other property. The major part of the automo-
bile tax 10 used for paving streets or highways or the
Improvement Of dirt roads, and every dollar thus ex-
pended Is worth ten to the automobile owner in car up
keep, convenience and economy Of travel.
To protest against taxes has become a very popu-
lar pastime and is one Of the favorite indoor sports of
those who seek to gain public favor, but protesting
against automobile taxes will not arouse a wild wave
of enthusiasm. It is the general opinion among motor
lists that inasmuch as they make use Of the streets and
highways to a greater extent than ever before. and that
paving of such streets and highways means a direct
financial saving to them, it would be very illogical to
protest against taxation for such purposes.
The federal, state. county and municipal govern
ments of the United States are exuending billions of
dollars annually for improvement Of streets and high
ways, and the owners Of motor vehicles are the direct
beneficiaries Of thse expenditures. Statistics Of the
U. S. Highway Department indicate that the cost Of
operating q motor vehicle on a paved street or high
way is approximately one-third the cost Of operating
on an unimproved road. In view of this fact the
money paid in taxes by automobile owners is an excel
lent investment, and his dividends increase in direct
ratio to the amount the various entities receive.
In many states the bond issues for highway i'm
provement are being carried by a combined motor and
gasoline tax, placing the burden exactly where it be-
longs. While the tax may appear rather heavy TO the
individual car owner, it is in reality insignificant in
comparison with the saving it effects for him. With
out this tax the splendid highway systems would have
been impossible; his car would have been practically
useless during rainy seasons, and the cost Of operat-
ing when dirt roads are passable would have exceed
ed by many times the amount he is required TO pay in
both gasoline and motor tax.
The majority of motorists would probably be in
favor of increased motor taxation if they were assured
that the funds derived therefrom would be applied
TO highway improvement and paving. They realize
that it would be economy to extend and improve the
highway systems, thereby increasing the> efficiency
Of their motor vehicles, extending the radius Of eco
nomieal travel and reducing both upkeep and gasoline
consumption.
Those who seek to gain popularity by advocating
tag reduction are wasting their tine in any effort to
create the impression among automobile owners that
they are the victims of unjust discrimination" Auto
owners are we'll satisfied with the paved streets and
highways and improved dirt roads, all Of which are
tangible evidence OF where their motor tax money is
being expended.