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Opinions from Newspapers in Idaho and the West Commenting on Western Issues

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Opinions from Newspapers in Idaho and the West Commenting on Western Issues West Views: Opinions from newspapers in Idaho and the West commenting on Western issues Idaho Statesman, July 14, 2007 Taxes for highways Our take: Check out Sunday Insight for our take on Gov. Butch Otter's plan to seek some $200 million in taxes for highways. Idaho Press-Tribune, Nampa "The fact that Gov. Butch Otter, traditionally a staunch advocate for limited government, says Idaho may have to raise gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to keep roads in shape speaks to the dire situation. ... "Idaho isn't alone in facing road-construction challenges, but the state's rapid growth and the importance of tourism to the economy make it an especially critical issue. "The Wall Street Journal reported this month that seven states raised their gas-tax rates in the past year, with the steepest increase in Washington state, where the gas tax rose two cents to 36 cents a gallon. The Journal also found that state gas taxes now range from 7.5 cents a gallon in Georgia to Washington's 36 cents. "Otter made it clear that he's not a fan of a tax increase at all, but he says the state's economy may depend on better highways that can handle a growing number of commuters and tourists. "The Transportation Board recommendations go beyond the gas tax and registration fees, including a new state surcharge on rental cars and higher trucking permit charges. "Those are also viable options that should be considered." Lewiston Tribune "If a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged, a tax raiser might be a tax opponent who's driven some of Idaho's roads. "Someone like Butch Otter, say. Idaho's governor is no friend of big government, or big taxes, but he knows that rants against higher taxes don't build or fix highways. Dollars do. "Tax dollars. Idaho's roads need more of them, and credit Otter for recognizing that, and for being willing to tell it to his constituents. ... "While he's at it, let him remember that transportation is not the only government responsibility so directly tied to the state's economy. Education is at least as essential to Idaho's individual and collective well-being. And for decades, while conservatives have held school funding to the money on hand, Democrats have used the exact words Republican Otter uses regarding transportation: " ‘We've got to look at the need.' " Idaho State Journal, Pocatello "Gov. Butch Otter, who sometimes goes his own way in dealing with the Idaho Legislature, is stating right now he favors a $200 million tax increase. If you drive a vehicle, you would be affected. ... "Idahoans presently pay 25 cents per gallon at the pump in state taxes, as well as fees for registration and agency services. Even the tightwads on the Revenue and Taxation Committee will have to recognize some increases are necessary. Or, Idaho might follow the lead of New Jersey, which quadrupled its fines for speeding, with the revenue earmarked for highways. Anyone for speed traps?" Off-road vehicles The Post Register, Idaho Falls "Calling themselves Rangers for Responsible Recreation, some of this nation's most experienced law enforcement and natural resource management specialists from the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and other public lands agencies are speaking plainly: Off-road vehicles, they say, are creating a crisis on public lands. "They blaze their own trails — causing erosion — and disturb the peace and quiet of others in the backcountry. "Fueling the crisis is an explosion in the popularity of these machines — and minimal enforcement of the rules. ... "This is not to blame all off-road vehicle users. Many, if not most, obey the rules. Organizations representing motorized users say they will cooperate with the land agencies ‘for a fair and balanced solution.' "But self-policing isn't working. For starters, motorized users say they will not accept any trail closures without due process. Many of these trails were illegal to begin with. "And you can expect the Idaho-based Blue Ribbon Coalition to extract more trail use for its motorized members." Farm labor bill Our take: We have supported comprehensive immigration reform — including "AgJobs," Sen. Larry Craig's attempt to establish a guest-worker program for farm laborers. The Times-News, Twin Falls "Rotting fruit. Moldering potatoes. Farm income losses in the millions. That's what's facing Idaho in the wake of the defeat in Congress last month of President Bush's immigration reform bill. "Lost in the conservatives' ire about amnesty for illegal immigrants is the fact that America's farmworker shortage is quickly sliding from a problem into a crisis. "Last fall, Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, estimated that Idaho had 18 to 20 percent too few available farmworkers. Figures for this year are hard to come by, but it's certain they'll be higher. "Craig and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., have taken the farm-labor portion of the immigration reform bill and are trying to get Congress to pass it independently. "It's called the Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act — or AgJobs. "The proposal makes sense. Congress should approve the bill and Bush should sign it. ... "AgJobs is free of most of the punitive provisions of the immigration reform bill, and unlike that legislation it's practical and directly addresses a specific need. "Immigration reform, for all practical purposes, isn't going to be sorted out until after the November 2008 election. Idaho's farmers — and the state's farm economy — just can't wait that long." .
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