Zerohedge: Gas Tax Hikes Ahead of America's 250th Birthday

Summary

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, six states are set to increase their state gas taxes beginning July 1st, potentially impacting holiday travel and budgets. California, Washington, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and Mississippi are implementing these hikes, with California and Washington already having some of the highest gas taxes in the nation. California's tax will rise from 61.2 cents to 63.4 cents per gallon, contributing to an average price near $6 per gallon in early June. Illinois and Washington are also enacting automatic, inflation-based adjustments. Critics argue these increases, disguised by inflation indexing, disproportionately burden drivers and contrast with the nation's founding principles of freedom from excessive government revenue collection. While supporters claim funds are for infrastructure, the timing of these hikes is seen by many as an insult during a national celebration of independence.