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AAA Michigan Says MRG Poll Shows Support for Diesel Tax Increase

1 October 1997

AAA Michigan Says MRG Poll Shows Support for Diesel Tax Increase

    DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 1 -- Eighty-two percent of Michigan
voters support an increase in the state's diesel tax, making it the same or
higher than the existing gas tax, according to a new poll conducted by
Marketing Resource Group, Inc. of Lansing.
    Currently, diesel fuel taxes remain 4 cents lower per gallon than the rate
assessed on gas used by passenger vehicles, despite a recent increase in the
state tax on gasoline.  AAA Michigan believes the exclusion of diesel fuel
from the tax increase is "grossly unfair and violates the important principle
of equity in taxation between cars and trucks."
    When asked whether truck operators should pay a higher, equal or lower tax
than motorists, 51 percent of survey respondents indicated that trucks should
pay an equal amount; 31 percent said they should pay a higher amount.
    "Since 1984, motorists in Michigan have been bearing an unequal fuel-tax
burden when compared with those who operate heavy trucks," said Larry Givens,
AAA Michigan Vice President Corporate Relations.  "And the recent 4-cent
increase in the state tax on gasoline, which does not apply to diesel fuel,
continues that disparity."
    According to Givens, numerous studies by independent researchers have
concluded that heavy trucks cause far more damage to roads than is caused by
cars or light trucks -- as much as 9,600 times more.  The trucking industry
says a more realistic relationship between axle weights and pavement wear
might be that one truck is equivalent to 800 to 1,000 cars.  Whichever figure
is used, it's obvious heavy trucks cause far more wear and tear on highways
than do cars.
    In a 1996 AAA Michigan survey of its members on the issue, more than 90
percent said they believed truckers should pay a fuel tax that's the same as
motorists pay, or higher.
    "By amending the law governing state fuel taxes to apply the recent 4-cent
increase to diesel fuel as well as gasoline, Michigan's Legislature can help
correct an injustice being done to the state's millions of drivers," continued
Givens.  "In addition, a 4-cent increase in the diesel fuel tax will generate
an estimated $28 to $36 million annually to pay for maintenance and repair of
Michigan's highway infrastructure.  That will be good news for everyone who
drives in Michigan."
    House Bill 4813, currently pending in the Senate, would ensure fuel tax
parity.  State Senators can be reached by mail at: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI
 48909, or via the Internet at: http://www.coast.net/~misenate/senhp.html.

SOURCE  AAA Michigan