Rick Nowlin

Oh, I know.
TX may be light years ahead of LA but our governor is an idiot. He had this "brilliant" plan that the TX Dept of Transportation was going to reimburse the federal government for IH-35 so they could then toll it (since you can't toll roads paid for by federal funds). And he thought this was all going to be able to happen without the electorate getting wind of it.
So I hope that makes you feel a little better.:-)

In my life time I have seen one tax increase that really worked.

In 1984 the Missouri Dept. of Highways wanted a 4 cents per gallon motor fuel tax increase. It as called proposition A, and it was to be a temporary tax for 4 years. The voters state wide had to approve the additional tax.
The tax was to be used for upgrading existing highways and bridge replacements. No new construction.
100% of the funds was to pay for construction. not one penny for state employee pay or overhead.
Each county in the state would be a recipient of various construction projects.
Department personnel went to public hearings in each county showing the voters what projects would be completed in 4 years with this additional tax.
The tax passed, the state held true to their word. The projects were completed as promised, and after the first 4 years the voters were begging the state to do it for another 4 years.

HB1057 - 2008 Regular Session
Author: NOWLIN Status:

PENDING HOUSE FINAL PASSAGE
Updated: 5/11/2008
Summary: TAX/HOTEL OCCUPANCY: Authorizes the city of Natchitoches to levy and collect an additional hotel occupancy tax within the city (EG +$439,500 LF RV See Note)