On Gas Taxes, Politicians Should 'Get Caught' Trying to Help

It appears Indiana's leaders don't want to get caught trying on this one. It is another intolerable fiscal choice, given the one elephant in Indiana's fiscal room: an oversized and outrageous budget surplus. That surplus, which has hovered around $2 billion for more than a decade, has continued to grow recently, and has the potential to reach $6 billion before the fiscal year ends next summer. It has become the most important part of the budget to Indiana Republicans. Whether a gas tax holiday is a political gimmick or not, in Indiana we can afford that gimmick several times over. But the leaders here are afraid they might get caught trying to help. If they do, what will people expect next? Connect with Michael Leppert  michaelleppert.com Twitter @michaelleppert  Facebook at Michael Leppert