Well, it has been a troubling week for business, the markets, and politicians in Washington, DC. We now know more details about the stimulus plan and I must say that I am disappointed with some of the details in the Homeowners Affordability and Stability Plan. I still believe housing is at the center of the economic crisis, and until the housing market is stabilized consumer and business lending will continue to be tight, and lack of confidence in the financial system will persist. In addition, the proposal discriminates against responsible homeowners who are current in their mortgage payments and rewards those who overused leverage. If the rules need to be changed due to unprecedented economic events, let’s change the rules for every American, not just the ones facing foreclosure or those who hold mortgages owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Let’s allow every American to refinance their mortgage at the lower rate if they choose to do so. Let’s remember that it will be these responsible homeowners in the middle class who will be paying for this plan and should at the very least be able to somehow benefit from it. Let’s be fare! This is America!
Regarding a gas tax increase in Massachusetts, I hope it will not be approved. I don’t have confidence in the financial management of the state revenues and would rather see more tolls than taxes! The technology exist to electronically collect toll fees using an electronic device, so why not use it and have the individuals who drive the roads pay for their maintenance, I included. Having said that, however, the federal government just passed an economic stimulus package that is nearly $800 billion and improving our infrastructure including roads and bridges is one of the main goals of the plan. So, why do we need to increase the gas tax or add more tolls right now? We will all be paying higher taxes in the years to come to pay for the stimulus package anyway.
The gas tax isnt good, i believe they are planning on using it to better the T and other long term structural transportation needs in the city. this tax was proposed to replace the toll increase that would have potentially hit this spring. they should increase the fees for people who use those means of transportation, such as T fares and tolls. Although its not going to “kill” people it is still a small hit considering the economic conditions.
I dont agree with Lauren because if you think of it increasing the price on the T and then the tolls is hard enough as it is for people that travel in and out of the state. And also what about those buses that run through Lynn, Salem, Peabody, and Danvers that get you to places such as the mall would you want them to be paying more than they have to just to ride a simple bus that can get them to work or some other place? Would you really think that someone would pay $5 just to ride the bus. And already at the tolls they give you a card to tell you how much you need to pay at the next toll booth when your driving depending on the size of a car. What do you think that the cost of a small little car would be if they increased the toll prices and even a big van or school bus how much do you think they will cost?
Once again, more rip offs. Don’t we pay enough already? We shouldn’t have to pay this much at all where none of us can enjoy our lives. Where we can’t even take a week off generally, without suffering for it as well. I think in England you get a mandatory 3 months vacation. Here? HA. The toll thing, the state said they collected tolls to pay for the construction of the bridges and such, yet the toll’s have been in place for ever and its crazy how much money those people make. 24/7 money coming through. And even more pathetic. Did you know I read that the average collector makes 70,000 A YEAR?!?!?!?!?! Yeah, our taxes and toll collections being used quite nicely. And gas being raised some more? Do they not understand, people should spend? To stimulate the economy? But how can we when we get every dime taken from us.
I agree that the root of our problem is the housing market and the banks in this country. The banking system is rediculous and they find ways to scam everyone into paying extra little fees for minor things such as an overwithdraw so someone can put gas into their care. Everytime a new fee is instated and the fees increase by doubling or even tripling for the littlest things. The banks are terrible and the housing market is terrible that people are selling their houses for a fifth of the price they are worth just so some owners can move on from these houses that are throwing them into debt.
I agree, I think that all home owners should get the chance to refinance their homes to get the lower rate. It is one of the biggest problems we are facing and I think that if these people are taken care of it could have a great impact on the situation we are facing. The feel that the gas tax should not be inplemented and I think that they should raise the tolls. People who are using the roads should be paying for them, not everyone else.
I agree with the point made pertaining to home owners being able to refinance their homes in order to lower the rate. As far as the gas tax goes I am on the fence. The question being which would we rather have: toll tax or gas tax! Personally I would rather have a toll tax due to the fact that I don’t believe it will apply to me, due to the fact that I don’t travel into Boston or use any tolls. When I do travel into Boston I take I-93 to avoid the tolls. It is inevitable that one of the two will be increased. The question is how adversely affected will the taxpayers be.