Stuff works rather differently in the US, compared to the UK...
Obviously, most car drivers will vote for anything that "caps" the amount they need to pay out, if that car tax only funds things they don't need...
If all taxes were lumped together in one pot, then all services funded would feel a little pain in lean years, and relief in good years.
The way that some programmes seem to be "held hostage" to unrelated matters, become "bargaining chips", does not seem to be a feature of UK politics.
(Politicians the world over argue about taxes, funding and spending, but the "hostage" element seems an American device?)
Ed.