Pete Randall has the story over at Peach Pundit about the Governor signing the Super Speeder bill. Of course you could read about it here or here for a more balanced view. Ever since Randall came out of the closet over at Peach Pundit he has been on a tear. But I digress.
Yesterday, I commented on the woman who scraped together $5.00 to pay for her cigarettes (Shame on you Pres. Obama for raising this lady’s taxes), but today our own republican Governor gave us a $23 million dollar tax increase. At least that is what he hopes. Now before you start screaming this is a fine or a fee to get people to slow down, please explain to me how it is different than a fee, fine, or tax on cigarettes to get people to stop smoking.
Now, when this came up in the legislative session I wasn’t opposed to it. Hell, I’m supposed to be a tax and spend democrat, and besides I have reached the point where I am worried that I don’t go fast enough on the expressway. What I wanted to see is this legislation attached to a constitutional amendment directing its revenues to a Trauma Care Network. The Governor has promise that is where the money will go, but his promise and $5.00 will get you a combo meal at McDonald’s.
The second problem I have is that this fee or fine or tax is barely constitutional. In my opinion it is a separation of powers violation and ranks right up there with mandatory minimums. Where does the legislature and the Governor get off telling judges how to sentence violators?
Well, it is a new day in Georgia…one where Republicans increase taxes and spend money like drunken sailors. Wait, it is not all that new is it?
