Vincent Feli Boy’s Blog

On March 7, as part of his proposed budget balancing plan, Gov. Tim Pawlenty called for a 1/8th percent cut in the statewide sales tax to partially offset the impact of recent tax increases passed by the DFL-controlled Legislature and provide some additional economic stimulus on the state level. As the master of “up your nose” gestures to the DFL-dominated Legislature, our petulant Governor has outdone himself this time.

While the Model T boasted 25 mpg in 1908, average car mileage for 2004 according to the EPA was only 20.8 mpg! The Detroit News reports that even this EPA figure is inflated, as “most drivers achieve only about 75 percent of the [EPA mileage] figures.” The average miles per year driven per passenger car or light truck is just about an 12,000 miles. (Latest statistics found for year 2000.) The recently passed (over Pawlenty’s veto) transportation funding bill raised the gas tax by five ($. 05) cents per gallon.

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As soaring gas prices deflate family budgets, Americans are coming up with unique ways to cut their gas costs. Today the nationwide average price for gas hit another record high today at $3.22 per gallon, according to the Energy Information Administration. Story “Good Morning America” found three enterprising individuals who’ve found creative solutions to curb their own consumption. Mileage Master In Jacksonville, FLA., a 69-year-old inventor designed a tiny gadget he attaches to his engine to improve his mileage.

“I’ve been getting about 42 [miles per gallon] with this car. On a previous car I had it on, I got 60!” said Fred Crane. He calls the device the Mileage Master.

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