Should I Have to Pay for You to Drive?

You have a right to drive. But why should I have to pay for it? Us taxpayers now have to pay 50% of the cost for others to drive. Drivers used to pay 75% of the cost, but not any longer.

And this is the year we learn that St. Croix County and Wisconsin have no solution to funding our roads.

If you are over 65, younger than 34, or work from home, you drive less and are paying way too much in taxes supporting others who drive more. We have all three kinds of people in my family. 

By contrast, those of us who ride trains pay more of the cost. Train travelers pay 63% of the cost, while drivers pay just 50% of the cost.

Why should you pay for me to take the train?  Two good reasons.

1. It costs you less in taxes than if I drive. Train trips are only subsidized 37% by taxpayers, while car trips are subsidized 50% by taxpayers. 
2. I am a job creator. I create jobs in Hudson and our area. If I am taking the train, I can work and create more jobs. If I have to drive, I am just wasting time.

Driving does not create jobs. Studies show people who drive less actually are more productive than people who drive more. And cities with the most jobs are building more trains and light rail. If you want to drive to the mall, that’s great, just pay for it yourself.

Let’s make a deal.  You support more trains in Wisconsin, especially in our area, and we create more skilled jobs for you. You also pay less in taxes to support us train travelers. Then you can drive around as much as you want.