John Schultz's Weblog

Tuesday December 06, 2005

When the politicians know better than you Two recent stories on the Missouri Digital News illustrate most politicans' need to interfere in the lives of citizens and businesses, rather than limiting government's influence to only the most necessary actions.

State Senator John Cauthorn of Mexico has filed a bill mandating all gasoline sold in Missouri be blended with ethanol. While this is a pretty obvious nod to the agriculture sector in Missouri, Cauthorn should not be meddling in gasoline market. As Ron Leone mentions in the linked article, this change could force higher costs onto the gasoline industry. I currently do fill up with a 10% ethanol blend as my gas station of choice offers non-ethanol and ethanol-blended at the same price, but I do wonder if they are eating some costs to do this. Additionally, no one can determine the true cost savings until ethanol welfare is turned off at the state and federal pumps. The Republican Party once stood for small government and laissez faire business practices, but that has not been the case for quite some time.

Meanwhile, state Representative Cynthia Davis is busy making sure all drivers licenses applicants take a drivers education course. Never mind that some schools, such as the one in my small hometown, stopped offering drivers ed ages ago due to budgetary or legal concerns. This law would require schools to do away with other educational activities to accomodate the massive increase in students needing this course, when the real solution is already present - let the student drive with their parents until they are convinced their child is ready for a license. My parents did have me attend a paid drivers education course as they thought it was a good idea, but not all parents will have the means to do so. Representative Davis' proposal only increases costs on schools and parents, while not offering a clear benefit to the state. ( Dec 06 2005, 09:01:08 AM CST ) Permalink Comments [1]