Would you pay an extra $10 a year for registering your vehicle if it got you free admission to state parks? That's the idea from Assembly Member John Laird, a Santa Cruz Democrat who is trying to address the dreadful condition of the state's parks.
In effect, the license plate on you car would become a park pass. Average entrance fees for state parks are somewhere between $6 and $10 a day now.
Paul Rogers of the San Jose Mercury News outlined the plan in a story today, and described the problems facing the parks:
On Sunday, a Mercury News investigation detailed that the number of rangers, lifeguards and other state parks employees remains the same -- about 2,970 people -- today as 20 years ago, despite the fact that 5 million more people visit the parks. The newspaper also cataloged a $1.2 billion backlog of maintenance, including broken sewers at campgrounds, collapsing historic buildings and other problems.
It's an interesting idea, and one that would benefit the San Joaquin River Parkway, among other entities. But it's also already been pinned with the kiss-of-death label "tax," and Republicans in the Legislature -- as well as the governor -- are sure to oppose it.
Ah, well, who needs state parks anyway?
Sure, I'd go for it. I wouldn't miss the extra ten bucks, and I'd like to see the State park system restored to what it should be. I think it's time for Californians to grow up and quit being afraid of the "T-word."
Mike(D)The IRS and the Franchise Tax Board accept checks and money orders.Knock yourself out.
Yep, and I pay my taxes, Brian. No Yacht Party tax shelters for me.
Yachty,Yachty, Yachty...Mike(D)Do they make you pay registration and license fees(tax) on that bicycle of yours? Do they require you to carry insurance.That would only fair and indiscriminate.
I paid sales tax when I bought it (I didn't buy it out of state and "park" it for a few months to avoid taxes). My chances of injuring someone or damaging property are pretty slim, unlike that big ol' truck I'm guessing you drive. And I'm not spewing hydrocarbons into the air for everyone else to breath.