Eastern Oregon Drivers Don't Like Mileage Tax Proposal

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Story Published: Jan 12, 2009 at 9:25 PM PST

By Molly Kelleher

MILTON-FREEWATER - Oregon lawmakers are looking at a driving tax based on how many miles you travel. Even if you don't live in Oregon, listen up because the idea is catching on in other states.

In Eastern Oregon, where you live isn't always where you work. Folks around here say you go where the jobs are and in rural areas that can be quite a commute.

"We travel so much it takes 20 miles to get to work in Pendleton."

So you can see why some folks out here, take exception to talks of a tax based on how many miles you drive.

Those in favor of the idea say a mileage tax will help keep money in the pot for road repairs. Unlike a gas tax, where more fuel-efficient cars means less tax in the till.

The state has even gone as far as installing GPS monitors in 300 vehicles for a pilot program.

"GPS it's like big brother is watching."

Gov. Ted Kulongoski included development money for the tax in his budget proposal, and interest is growing in a number of other states like Idaho and Rhode Island. But there's not too much interest in these parts.

"I just don't think they are really thinking this through."

Because the mileage tax is still in the developmental stages, it will probably be years before any mileage tax could be adopted in Oregon.

But when the time comes, they might need to do some persuading in rural parts of the state with the GPS pilot program.

The devices do not track the cars' locations in great detail. They also kept track of the time the driving was done, so a premium could be charged for rush-hour mileage.

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