I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed per-mile tax in Washington state. While I understand the need to fund transportation infrastructure, I believe this policy would place an undue financial burden on residents, particularly those in rural areas, lower-income families, and individuals who rely on their vehicles for work and essential travel.

A per-mile tax disproportionately affects people who live in rural communities, where public transportation options are limited or nonexistent. Unlike urban residents who can take advantage of buses, trains, or bike-friendly infrastructure, many Washingtonians have no alternative but to drive long distances for work, medical appointments, and daily necessities. This tax would unfairly penalize them simply for where they live.

Additionally, a per-mile tax does not consider vehicle efficiency or environmental impact. Fuel taxes currently encourage the use of fuel-efficient and electric vehicles, helping reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. A per-mile tax, however, disincentivizes these efforts by taxing all drivers equally, regardless of their environmental impact. This could undermine our state’s environmental progress and discourage people from adopting greener transportation alternatives.

Moreover, implementing a per-mile tax raises concerns about privacy and administrative costs. Tracking individual mileage would likely require invasive monitoring systems, which many residents find troubling. Additionally, the cost of administering and enforcing this new tax could outweigh its benefits, making it an inefficient method of revenue collection.

Instead of imposing a per-mile tax, Washington should explore alternative solutions, such as maintaining a fuel tax structure that incentivizes energy-efficient vehicles, investing in sustainable infrastructure, or considering congestion-based pricing in urban centers where alternative transportation is available.

I urge my fellow residents to voice their concerns and ask our legislators to oppose this inequitable tax. Our state needs fair, sustainable solutions, not policies that disproportionately harm rural and working-class citizens.

DAWN HEBERT

South Bend