Proposal increases fees for vehicles in WI

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle is proposing an increase in vehicle registration and licensing fees. The argument used is an old one. "Even with the $15 increase (from $55 to $70), residents in Wisconsin still pay less than in neighboring states." And that's suppose to make us feel good?

Vehicle fees are but a small component of the taxes and fees we pay to support a state government that has done little or nothing to control it's spending. The $15 increase amounts to a 27% increase. When combined with the $10 increase just one short year ago (October 2003), we're talking about a total increase of 55% in two years! With an average annual inflation rate below 3%, one might wonder why costs have risen so drastically? Other than a $150,000 'mistake' alluded to in the article, there is no mention of the reasons for this increase. Go figure!:

"'I hope we can do it for somewhat less' than what the department proposes, 'but we have to look ultimately at what the dollars are and what the real needs are,' Doyle said Thursday."