Keep in mind that state gas tax is not the same as national sales tax.
States take a nice big chunk all on their own.
Here in Nevada we pay 51.6 cents a gallon (the state and local tax is 33 cents of that)
That was what the cost of a gallon of gas was when I was in highschool
I kinda see it as a "tax on the poor" . Just like taxes on food are.
Rich people can fill up their vehicles without blinking an eye. But people who are struggling and have to drive to work every day of more likely drive to job interviews...the higher the gas tax the harder it is on them.
Plus the gas tax raises the cost of EVERYTHING you buy. All the food, clothing, household needs, etc. has to be transported.
There's a reason that a coca cola that used to cost a quarter is now $1.79 at the 7-11. And part of that is because of high fuel prices.
But I guess after Congress raises the gas tax and the cost of living goes up AGAIN...people who are barely getting by now will be the ones to suffer.