Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
40 billion miles
By Mary Lazich
Monday, Jul 28 2008, 04:30 PM
American motorists may have finally hit the tipping point when it comes to high gas prices affecting their driving habits. The Wall Street Journal says a report out today by the U.S. Transportation Department shows that during the past seven months, Americans have slashed their driving by more than 40 billion miles.
The biggest decline in miles driven came in the North Central part of the country including Wisconsin. During May 2008, motorists in this region drove 57. 2 billion miles, a reduction of 4.5 percent from the previous year.
Dramatically fewer miles driven means less federal gas tax revenue, setting up a debate in Congress about how to address the shortfall. Some of the ideas that could be considered in Washington include more toll roads and mass transit programs, delaying numerous projects, and a potential increase in the federal gas tax, though such a move would be very unpopular given the current price of gas.
Here are more details from the Wall Street Journal.
