Gov. Jim Doyle proposes taxing big oil companies more than $270 million over the next two years to help pay for the state's transportation needs.

Doyle said the assessment will equate to $1.50 per barrel of oil sold in the state, and the companies would be prohibited from passing the tax on to customers at the pump. Violations carry a criminal penalty of up to six months in prison. [emphasis added.]

In other news, the governor wants to prohibit 2 + 2 from equalling 4. If the penalties are set high enough, then goshdarnit, we can demand that 2 + 2 = 5!

[HT: Dave]