The Redwood Gazette

Vote For 'Gas Tax' Auto Chief Urges
PRESIDENT WINSHIP OF STATE AUTOMOBILE CLUB RALLYING HIGHWAY USERS.

"Minnesota automobile owners may differ as to whether a 'gas tax' shall be added to the present motor vehicle tax, but all voters will agree that if such a tax is levied the receipts should be used for highway improvements instead of general state expenses and that will mean a solid vote for the 'gas tax' amendment next November."

With the foregoing statement, President E. T. Winship of the Minnesota State Automobile association this week predicted passage of the gas tax proposal by a record-breaking majority at the next state election.

He said he was not ready to declare on behalf of the organized automobile owners of the state for a gas tax in addition to the present levy, but felt called upon to give the proposal a full indorsement following the recent ruling by Clifford L. Hilton, attorney general. The only effect of the proposed amendment will be to put any gas tax money into the highway fund instead of swelling the state general expense fund, according to Mr. Hilton, the legislature now having full power to levy a gasoline tax if it wishes.

"With every indication that practically every other state in the union will be collecting a gas tax within a year or two—36 have it now—it seems that Minnesota as a motor touring state will be compelled to follow suit.
It will mean at least $500,000 from tourists the first year and probably $1,000,000 a year in the near future.
That new revenue should be taken from tourists coming from states levying gas taxes against tourists from here. Then we will have a clear field to seek such motor vehicle tax revisions as are considered just.
There seems to be general sentiment favoring the gas tax provided the motor vehicle rate on automobiles is put back to 2 per cent and that may prove a satisfactory solution of the matter."

President Winship suggested that automobile owners everywhere should concern themselves with gasoline prices following the showing that one cent a gallon on the price runs into millions of dollars annually.