Idaho OHV Gas Tax Meeting Results W/ Promising Outcome!

We attended the meeting today in Boise for the "specially assigned task force" charged with the impossible job of digging funds out of our a$$es to cover Butch Otter's big unconstitutional mistake of pulling the OHV Gas Tax Fund. While we wern't able to attend the whole meeting and missed out on the public comment time allotment (apparently the task force members were resolutely opposed in their "task" at hand, knowing their efforts would be futile, and bumped up the meeting to hear public comments).
We were able to speak one-on-one to several representatives and were assured that their sole objective is now to REVERSE THE TAKING OF THE OHV GAS TAX FUNDS and reinstate the prior IP&R allotment.

On a side note, this issue has served to open our eyes to the disturbing news that over two-thirds of our OHV Gas Tax Funds are appropriated NOT TO MOTORIZED USE, but instead to non-motorized groups to provide and maintain CC Skiing, snowshoing and horseback activity venues. These groups have no organized taxation or charge basis of their own to compensate us for their use -save a measely $20,000 raised from Nordic Ski Park Pass revenues. (a scant amount compared to the more than $1,000,000 they consume of the OHV Gas Tax Fund)
This is an outrage, especially when you consider it is the very same non-self supporting groups that are the first persons in line to limit or eliminate our access to public lands.
Call IP&R and let them know THIS HAS TO STOP. These non-contributing and wrongly consuming groups had better pull their own weight for their own activities! Lets put on the pressure and get it done. If we can't get something accomplished for our own good right here in our very own state, how can we possibly expect to change things in Washington DC?

By the way, where was everyone today, anyway?

Hmm, might work, but it sounds like auto-profiling to me

Yeah, the only problem with that comparison with boating is that by hurting the groomed trails system in Idaho our lawmakers have deprived us of a whole heck of alot more revenues (on-highway fuel tax, food, lodging, non-res. stickers, rentals, repair, guiding services, etc.)from out-of-state sledders than this state EVER sees from boaters. People don't especially come to Idaho for our boating, they come for our awesome snow, terrain and scenery.

Lets face the facts, a very large portion of Idaho's winter economy is based on accomodating sledders who come to Idaho to enjoy our trail system to get to where they want to be. Island Park snowmobile businesses are just holding their breath waiting for the chair to be kicked out from under their feet. This unlawful act of taxation without representation hurts ALL of Idaho. It is just plain out poor thought!

Wade,
I realize it's not the direct fault of the IP&R staff; and that their superiors are the decision and policy makers within the bounds of their jurisdiction.
BUT< It still dosen't hurt to talk with affirmed politness with the staff about the issue because as employees of the IP&R they have a responsibility to the public to take up the issue with their superiors as well.

FYI: In case no one noticed, there is a lot more at stake here than just a few IP&R staff positions; some stand to lose their entire livelihood and home, and not at their choosing either.
To do or to let be an act that you know is wrong in fear of losing your employment is no way to serve the public. Look at the cowardice of the GOP majority and all the wrong they've let transpire and you'll understand.

With our diligence, we can make this issue work in our favor to reaffirm our respective right to the funds our tax dollars generate.

If you snowmobile, atv, dirt bike or boat in Idaho you have paid taxes on the fuel you used off-highway, YES You have a say in the matter.