Feb. 26, 2004, Grain Valley, MO -- Commenting on proposals to allow states to convert stretches of federally funded highways into toll roads, OOIDA President Jim Johnston reminded lawmakers on Capitol Hill and Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta that, “Tolls are taxes!” He stated, “By their very definition, tolls are taxes. It is disingenuous to try to spin them any other way.”

He continued, “The administration and many members of Congress have been adamant about their opposition to imposing new taxes on Americans at a time when small businesses are struggling and countless families are in economic turmoil. The transportation bill that passed the Senate (S.1072) contains provisions for converting toll-free interstate highways to toll roads. No way around it, these are new taxes.”

“Millions of Americans rely on our nation’s highways to get to work and to do their jobs. They provide our country with essential services and the manpower we need to strengthen the economy. Forcing them to pay more taxes for roads that they are already paying for through fuel taxes and numerous other user-fee-type taxes is unacceptable.”

Johnston persisted, “There is no doubt that converting federally funded highways into toll roads will have a devastating economic impact on small-business professionals like our members, on the trucking industry and on the nation as a whole.”

“OOIDA encourages decision-makers to use funding mechanisms that will provide a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure, but will not unfairly burden Americans who must use highways to travel to their jobs or to provide essential services to the nation’s economy.”

Contact: Todd Spencer, OOIDA (816) 229-5791