Suspending federal gas tax is no solution

When it comes to soaring gasoline prices, everyone is grasping for solutions.

But one idea receiving serious consideration at our nation’s capital, that of suspending the federal tax on gasoline, is no solution at all. It’s not suggesting any goals or providing any ideas for lowering the cost of gasoline. It’s merely eliminating one tax that is collected on it.

Essentially this move is a big waste of time.

While no one likes paying taxes, and the federal gas tax is no exception, we like the services the tax provides. Much like the state tax on gas goes to state road projects, the federal tax on gas goes to federal road projects. And we all like nice roads.

It’s vital to remember government must get its money from somewhere. It’s taxpayers who are footing the bill for the $600 economic stimulus checks that are currently in the mail. That money doesn’t appear out of thin air. And its taxpayers who foot the bill for interstates, highways and bridges we need for our transportation system.

Whether it’s drilling for oil in Alaska, relying more on alternative sources of energy, or requiring all vehicles to get 35 mpg, it’s important we set our sights on working toward a solution ‘ any solution.

One thing we know for sure is the federal gas tax is not the problem. It’s not the reason prices at the pump are skyrocketing. America would be better served if our leaders stayed focused on solving the problem, not providing a short-term fix that snatches away valuable funding.