Enact same tax rate for all drivers

After the recent news of a proposed gas tax increase, I have to wonder if our elected officials really care about the working class of Iowa. It is the working class that contains many daily commuters who will feel the burden of the tax. As a daily driver, I know that a great many would feel the pain at the pump. It is frustrating that the plan includes no tax increase on diesel. Taxing the people who have opted to buy a high-mileage car is punishment for helping this country weaken the demand for foreign oil.

If Iowa raises its rate by 8 cents, it would be the second-highest rate compared to neighboring states. Out-of-state travelers could and should get gas out of state.

I also hear there is less tax generated because of better-mileage vehicles, but what about more cars traveling the roads making up the difference?

What about all those grain semis? What about a separate tax for the damage they do to highways and rural roads? If there is going to be an increase, let us all pay the tax at the same rate, not just the daily commuter.

Tom Webb

Quasqueton