Or in Texas, 30 days same as cash...
Public can comment on proposal to reduce fines
and...EL PASO -- Low-income drivers caught driving drunk or without a license may get a break in paying their fines.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is now taking public comment on a proposal that would reduce the fines for people living near or below the federal poverty line if they're convicted of a Class C misdemeanor.
That type of offense includes driving without insurance, driving without a valid license and driving while intoxicated.
(sniffle...sniffle) Boo Effin' Hoo (sniffle...sniffle)"We all make mistakes and if you get caught driving without insurance you should pay a fine, but it shouldn't take your life savings," said Lower Valley resident Jesús Alvarez, who said he struggles to make ends meet. "Besides, if you take away our licenses we can't get to work. How are we supposed to make a living?"
Hope. Change. Texas-style.The proposed changes would:
Reduce the fine for driving without insurance from $250 per year for three years to a one-time payment of $250.
Reduce the fine for driving without a valid license from $100 per year for three years to a one-time payment of $150.
Reduce the fine for driving while intoxicated from anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years to a one-time payment of $500.
If a low income person makes 700$ a month and has to pay 700$ for auto insurance, how is he supposed to pay his rent or buy his food. Oh, stupid me, he can go on food stamps for his food. A food stamp survey done ihn Billings, MT, by the Montana DPHHS, showed 12 of the 96 food stamp applicants said auto insurance was a reason for needing food stamps. Go to http://www.foodstampstudy.com They can also go on food stamps if they have no money left for food after paying fines.
ReplyDeleteI thought public policy would be that poor people get community service in lieu of fines.
Anon 2:53:
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that I understand your point, but let me say this:
1. If someone is making $700/month and is driving a "car" to "work", chances are his bigger concern is fuel and upkeep as opposed to insurance. Perhaps he should consider a bus pass or a mule. Then, possibly get a paper route closer to home.
2. The study you reference is among the most meaningful and interesting pieces I've read in the last 5 minutes or so.
3. This is the first exposure I've had to the thoughts of "Don Birkholz". At this point, I think I'm qualified to say that, in my opinion, Mr Birkholz arrives at his conclusions obviously after having received a severe head injury, possibly at the hands of an uninsured driver.
Just sayin'