re: #815 Liberal Classic

With all due respect, avanti, an “unfunded mandate” is in effect a hidden tax. The automobile companies must comply with the law, and will have no choice but to pass this added cost on to customers. One of the reasons Detroit is in the condition it is now in, is because of the amount of regulation on the industry. The regulatory environment in which the companies operate adds to their operating expenses, adds to the cost of vehicles, and raises the entry cost to enter the market.

I agree the effect is the same, but I prefer the dictionary definition. As in the case of my 10K mandated sprinkler system, I’d be out the 10K with a check for a tax, or with the sprinkler system. With the sprinklers, at least I actually get something for my money. We can just agree to disagree on the definition of a tax.