Conservative Group Launches “No Gas Tax Iowa” Initiative
Americans for Prosperity – Iowa launched it’s new grassroots initiative yesterday called “No Gas Tax Iowa.” The intent of the initiative is to put grassroots pressure on state legislators in order to prevent the gas tax to be hiked. The effort will include opportunities for local activists to petition their legislators through social media and traditional grassroots efforts.
“It is ironic that many lawmakers who campaigned on not raising taxes on the poor and middle class are now trying to increase the gas tax,” explained Mark Lucas, State Director of Americans for Prosperity – Iowa. “Less than three months later after their election, these same politicians are thinking about raising a tax that will fall particularly hard on poor and middle class Iowans.”
With pump prices at their highest level on record for this time of year, the stage is set for an even greater climb in gasoline prices and expenditures than in 2012. The state legislature and Governor Terry Branstad are mulling a tax increase at the same time are considering what to do with an $800 million surplus in tax revenue.
“AFP-Iowa will continue to fight for not increasing taxes on the poor and middle class families,” Lucas continued. “I toured the state last year hosting $1.84 per gallon gas events and heard the heart-wrenching stories from Iowans who could barely afford to fill up their car. An elderly couple in Coralville told me they haven’t been able to completely fill their gas tank for over a year. A young Waterloo woman asked if she could still get the discounted rate because she could only afford to put 5 dollars in her tank.”
“The gas tax hike may not affect our legislators and the lobbyists in Des Moines. But it will crush many of our fellow Iowans.”
Category: Branstad Administration, Iowa Legislature, Iowa State Budget
About the Author (Author Profile)
Shane Vander Hart is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caffeinated Thoughts. He is also the President of 4:15 Communications, LLC, a social media & communications consulting/management firm. He is a communications director for American Principles Project’s Preserve Innocence Initiative. Prior to this Shane spent 20 years in youth ministry serving in church, parachurch, and school settings. He has also served as an interim pastor and is a sought after speaker and pulpit fill-in. Shane has been married to his wife Cheryl since 1993 and they have three kids. Shane and his family reside near Des Moines, IA. You can connect with Shane on Facebook or follow him on Twitter and Google +.Subscribe
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