In late 2014 we repeatedly explained why the so-called “gas tax savings” would not materialize and boost the economy via discretionary spending, as so many bullish economists were certain would happen, for one simple reason: soaring Obamacare premiums were soaking up all, and then some, of the savings. The result has been a steep drop in retail sales and consumer spending in 2015, one which even abovementioned economists have been forced to admit they never expected would happen, and as a result have been forced to cut their overly rosy outlook on the economy.