Some state legislators are balking at a proposal sent to Congress by Governor Aristoteles Sandoval that will oblige all car owners to “donate” 40 pesos to two charities on the payment of their annual vehicle tax (referendo).
For years, car owners have been able to choose whether they wish to donate 20 pesos to the Jalisco Red Cross and the same amount to the Hogar Cabañas children’s home.
The idea in 2017 is that the “donation” is no longer voluntary.
All owners of Mexican-plated vehicles will pay 492 pesos for their annual refrendo next year. Legislators from several parties, including independent congressman Pedro Kumamoto, argue that “imposed quotas” – for whatever cause – amount to a “disguised tax.”
“People should decide for themselves if they want to make the donations,” said Mario Castellanos of the Citizens Movement.
In an audience with a legislative committee last week, Jalisco Red Cross Delegate Miguel Angel Dominguez argued that the obligatory payment is a small price for citizens to pay for the possibility of “saving a life” in the event of an accident.
Dominguez said the institution needs around 135 million pesos each year in order to operate. While some patients pay for Red Cross services, there is no obligation for them to do so.
Dominguez also urged state legislators to increase the Red Cross’ share of the donation to 30 pesos and lower the Cabañas’ amount to ten pesos.