D.C. Ponders Case for Commuter Tax

[zoidberg]

Only seems fair that DC get some revenue from people who use its roads, police protection, and make things a hassle for its residents.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A35361-2003Jul9.html

"D.C. leaders voiced support yesterday for a plan to use a lawsuit to do what numerous pleas by the city to Congress over 29 years have not: overturn a federal ban on a District "commuter tax" on those who work in the city but live elsewhere.

If successful, the lawsuit could redirect $500 million to $1.4 billion a year in tax revenue toward the District and away from nearby states, particularly Virginia and Maryland."

[DCDemo]

1. Wahoo!

I hate that my commute sucks in the morning, the roads are beaten up, and I have to deal with tons of hassles, all from MD and VA commuters. I would love to see a commuter tax applied - hopefully, our DC taxes would go down (among the highest in the nation, and you don't get a lot for your money)

[Muddleoftheroad]

2. You make it sound

Like the commuters don't contribute anything. Their businesses pay taxes, they shop and eat there. All of that is tax money. What would happen if the commuters rebelled and DIDN'T spend in DC?

[DCDemo]

4. Then we would be in trouble

Just like we're in trouble now.

DC has a HUGE financial drain - the Federal Government - which really eats into a lot of our normal tax revenues.

Living in DC:

We have NO representation in Congress
Must spend a lot of our tax income dealing with problems caused by commuters and the Federal Government
Have a very high income tax rate
Get less money compared to even the smallest states, when we have more population and households than they do

Not being a state, we have no state to give us money - it all must be raised in the tiny 5x5 mile area that is DC. Any other city in the country is in a state, and thus tax revenues from those who live outside the city still "come back" to the city because of state budget money.

In DC, we have an extra burden - the Federal Government, with the attendant need for security and the attention (protests, for example) that come here that DC must pay to police.

It's not like we don't want commuters; we just want a them to pay a bit for the services they use - our roads being my primary concern.

[Muddleoftheroad]

6. I've done both

I've lived in DC and in Maryland and now rural VA. But I've seen this on both sides of the coin. Personally, I'm of mixed attitude about DC. I'd love to see that many black voters get representation to Congress, but I don't like the idea of Congress having representation to Congress and that is what it would be. DC would inherently vote for more government -- whether it would be good or bad, it would mean jobs for them. That doesn't sit well with me.

The federal government is also the only reason people go to DC. It has no other inherent businesses. It's just tourism and government.
And though DC residents don't like the deal, it is easy to move.

As for the security burden of DC, both Maryland and Virginia get stuck with that too, yet they don't really get the benefit of the tourism.

[zoidberg]

5. I'm a commuter and don't spend jack in DC

My business - the federal government - doesn't pay taxes to DC. I bring my lunch and hardly ever spend money while at work. And the 'tax' would be a transfer from Virginia or Maryland income tax revenue into DC. The commuter wouldn't directly pay more - though other taxes might rise to make up the difference.

[mhr]

3. This is an Old Idea

I used to live in the DC area over 10 years ago. This idea has been kicking around for a long time. Most think it will never happen.