Stan Geiger

Congratulations and Kudos, Mr. Beacon

I recently read the Tulsa Beacon has marked its 7th year in business. Congratulations are in order. And given a recent Beacon editorial, in support of dedicating fuel tax money to roads and bridges instead of the general fund, I'd say kudos are in order as well.

According to the article, a politician had this to say:

“Nearly half of all revenue produced by motor vehicle excise taxes goes into the General Revenue Fund each year, and diverting that revenue to transportation compromises our ability to adequately fund education, health care and municipal government,” said Sen. Jeff Rabon, a Democrat.

There's the standard line offered by members of the political-educational complex. We can't do something that makes really good sense because it would take money away from the educators' feeding trough.

The Beacon countered:

Motor vehicle excise taxes contributed $259.2 million to the general fund in 2007. This year’s budget is more than $7 billion, with 57 percent dedicated to public education. (Emphasis added).

The public schools are sufficiently funded. Taking care of roads is a basic government function. The money is there, we are just spending it on the wrong things.

Agreed.

---