http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisob...po/11496095.htm SACRAMENTO - A bill designed to increase production of hybrid cars and lower their price by allowing manufacturers to sell directly to motorists was rejected by an Assembly committee. The measure, which was supported by several environmental groups but opposed by auto dealers and manufacturers, went down to defeat Monday night on a 4-4 vote in the Transportation Committee. It needed at least seven votes, a majority of the 13-member committee, to pass. Five lawmakers didn't vote. The bill would allow manufacturers and others who obtained a special license from the Department of Motor Vehicles to sell new hybrids and other super-low-emission vehicles directly over the Internet. Currently, those sales must go through an auto dealer. ****** There's more. 4 Democrats voted for it. 4 Republicans voted against it. Of the 5 who didn't vote...1 was Republican and 4 were Democrat. I won't be voting for any of the 5 who weren't doing their jobs. Fish or cut bait. If you aren't doing you job.....you're fired.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva\";p=\"84901)</div> I 100% agree - if you can't make an informed decision on an issue, you need to at least vote in the negative. Not voting is like saying "Whatever, I don't care."
Well, they're your politicians, but IMHO... If they don't vote one way or the other, they oughtta be fired... They're paid to make decisions, not try and duck responsibility by not voting... Dave
Exactly. <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveG\";p=\"85178)</div> This is exactly my line of thought. One of the non-voters is my district: Shirley Horton. I'm sure she'll be telling everyone she didn't vote against it. What she won't say is she didn't vote AT ALL. Well, I'll be voting against HER next election. I don't care who's running against her. Better someone who votes badly than someone who doesn't vote at all. That's not what I'm paying for.
I think there are better ways to promote clean vehicles than that law anyway. I'd much rather they make high mileage vehicles (say, 45 mpg plus) exempt from sales tax or give a tax credit.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kidtwist\";p=\"85276)</div> I don't think a law like that will pass either. I think the law was defeated mainly because of the potential loss of tax revenue. I don't think there will be any break for Hybrid owners on sales tax, registration or state income tax credits. Other than the HOV lane thing, which still isn't in place, I don't know of any "perks" the State of California has for anyone buying a Hybrid. The City of L.A. is piloting letting Hybrids have free metered parking. Of course...you'd have to find a parking meter with an empty space first.
