TRALA battles with tax, fee proposals

May 1, 2007
A new wheel tax of up to $60 per vehicle in several northwest Indiana counties would be excessively burdensome, according to a letter sent by the Truck

A new “wheel tax” of up to $60 per vehicle in several northwest Indiana counties would be excessively burdensome, according to a letter sent by the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) to Speaker Pat Bauer of the Indiana House of Representatives.

The group contacted Bauer in response to reports that the legislature is considering this new tax to raise revenue for a commuter rail line. Under this proposal, the legislature would authorize the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority to enact the new tax in several counties, including Lake and Porter County. While all counties in Indiana already have the statutory authority to enact vehicle taxes up to $25, this proposal would provide an unelected body with authority to implement a much higher tax across several counties.

TRALA also is opposing a proposed 25 percent increase in truck registration fees in New Hampshire. The proposal is included in House Bill 2, a state budget bill, which would raise the registration fees on trucks over 8,000 pounds from 84 cents per hundred pounds to $1.08 per hundred pounds. For some trucks, this would mean a $200 per truck increase in registration fees. If passed, the current proposal would take effect in July 2007. TRALA has contacted every member of the Senate Finance Committee and expressed its strong opposition.

For more information, e-mail TRALA's Tom James at [email protected] or phone 703-299-9120.