9/23/2007 11:55:29 PM
South Carolina has broken a record, but, unfortunately, it's not a good one.
In 2006, the state saw the most motorcyclist fatalities ever. That's stirring talk of a mandatory helmet law thanks to NTSB. The debate is reminiscent of when South Carolina began talks of implementing a mandatory seatbelt law.
Pennsylvania already has a Bill introduced to reinstate the adult mandatory helmet law.
Drivers test paying by mile instead of gas tax By Larry Copeland, USA TODAY
Beginning early next year, drivers in six states will begin testing a new way to pay for roads and transit: Commuters will be charged for the miles they drive rather than paying taxes on gasoline purchased.
Researchers from the University of Iowa Public Policy Center will install computers and satellite equipment in the vehicles of 2,700 volunteers — 450 each from Austin, Baltimore, Boise, San Diego, eastern Iowa and the Research Triangle region of North Carolina.
Over the next two years, the drivers will get sample monthly bills fo rthe number of miles they've driven. They can compare what they now pay in gasoline taxes with what they would have paid in per-mile fees.
Oregon this year finished a year-long experiment that tested a "virtual tollway" system that could eventually replace the state gas tax with a road-user fee. Volunteers drove vehicles equipped with state-installed Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and odometers that kept track of the miles they drove. When they gassed up, the drivers paid for their gas as well as 1.2 cents for each mile driven since their last fill-up; they did not pay the 24-cents-a-gallon state gas tax.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says part of his state's plan for dealing with declining gas tax revenues is a mileage tax or fee. He wants a test project this year.
As everyone knows TMRA 2 sponsored a concert at Stubbs Barbeque in Austin this past Saturday. Thanks to the Band from Dallas "The Hoike" who donated their time as the lead in band and put on a great show for those present.
We owe them one.
Thanks to L.P. Cycles of Groesbeck for being a Sponsor for the event. Tom has been our #1 financial supporter for several years. Thanks also to Peter at Lone Star BMW/Triumph of Austin, for his Sponsorship of the concert. Both by the way attended the concert.
Radio Station KGSR Sponsored the Concert with free advertisement and Disc Jockey Barbara Jo came out and Emceed the event.
Revv and his wife attended from El Paso and the Tyler Longriders made a good showing. Gimmee Jimmie along with his beautiful wife and onewire were welcome attendees. Dana and Dee were having a good time.
The Gypsy M/C were the prevalent Colors and the Alamo City Chapter of Gypsy International made their annual donation of $1500 to the association.
And what can you say about the Jimmy Vaughan Band. They also donated their time because Jimmy believes in the constitution and believes in our fight to defend it. As usual it was one hell of a show and as always Jimmy brought along a few musician friends to make it even more exciting. He was joined by Lou Ann Barton as well as Omar Kent Dyke, to the delight of the attendees. Entertainment wise it was truly a night to remember.
Financially it was a bust. We did not even pay expenses.
After returning to the office I was numb. I felt like Forrest Gump when he had run over three years, stopped and said "I’m tired now, I’m going home." I am going home after the TV Show tonight. But I’m going home to see what I can mortgage or sell to pay some of my bills, the balance due on the concert and keep things going for a while. Texas deserves to be #1 in political clout and I just can’t give up working toward that goal.
When someone steps forward to replace me who is willing to follow the Constitution and Bylaws of this association I will step down and send out resumes to become a Lobbyist and get my personal house in order.
Ride Safe – Ride Sober
Sputnik
