Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate the gas tax from July 2022 to the end of the year is purely a political ploy and totally unnecessary.
The proposal reveals the problem with politicians in Florida and across the nation. As the government brings in more revenue, the politicians feel the need to spend the money on temporary matters without looking to future needs.
To fund the governor’s proposal, Florida received $1 billion from the federal government. That federal money will have to be paid back by our children and grandchildren–and their children and grandchildren as the national debt continues to escalate.
Apparently, the governor and the Florida Legislature’s top priority is to lower the gas tax while they all run for reelection this fall. Of course, we want to see fewer taxes paid by Florida’s residents. But cutting the gas tax also benefits all the tourists who visit the Sunshine State. Why should they benefit? Will they spend more money at restaurants, theme parks and hotels because they get to save a few bucks at the pump? Not likely.
DeSantis should use the federal money to prioritize some long-term issues facing Florida. How about scholarships for nurses and medical health experts? Perhaps some of it could go to deal with the affordable housing crisis. The funds could go to help stop illegal immigration or provide better education tools. Giving teachers a thousand dollars is not going to retain the good ones.
Come on, Gov. DeSantis. Don’t act like a typical politician. You’ve shown you’re better than that. You should use those funds to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Florida now and in the future.
Matt Schellenberg was first elected to the Jacksonville City Council back in 2011 and won a second term in 2015. He was term-limited in 2019.
