While everyone was distracted by Sandy the superstorm, another tempest was brewing between Congress and the district.

“Beginning October 29th, transaction fees in DC will increase from $0.32 to $0.45 due to increased costs triggered by recent federal legislative reform enacted by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act’s Durbin Amendment,” the company explained.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) fired back by penning Mayor Vincent Gray a sternly worded letter.

“Mayor Gray, in order to avoid any potential confusion,” Durbin began. “I request that you and DDOT make clear that the District of Columbia Government does not agree with Parkmobile’s analysis of the cause of these fee increases or endorse Parkmobile’s disingenuous assignment of blame.”

This Wednesday, “plus 13 cent Durbin tax” stickers have started popping up on parking meters.

We laughed until tears came.