This Republican proposed budget will have the effect of raising taxes. It dips into city government funds and cuts monies that have traditionally gone to them. Local governments are already struggling and will be forced either to cut essential services like police and firefighters or raise taxes. Also program cuts to the poor and to programs for children's health will result in more people using the emergency rooms as their primary care doctors. This means longer wait times. It also means that the bills that these people are unable to pay will be passed along in higher hospital bills for those with insurance. Ever wonder why an aspirin in the hospital is so expensive? These same costs wind up costing us in the form of higher premiums. Cuts to higher education have serious implications for our students many of whom may no longer be able to afford college. It could dim the valley's chances of attracting high tech companies as the education level of our residents decline. I was all for a sales tax increase to spare many of the social programs that are so vital to the citizens of this state. I have now decided to vote against such a tax in the light of the proposed flat income tax. This shifts the tax burden from the rich to the people who are the least able to pay taxes. It will be a tax cut for the wealthiest citizens and a tax increase for the poorest. I urge everyone to vote against the sales tax increase if it comes up for a vote. Let this state reap the consequences of having a Republican dominated legislature. At least when we had Janet, we knew irresponsible budgets would never have gotten past her desk. One last point that I would like to make is that the Republicans in the legislature might be in the majority, but the Democrats represent almost the same number of constituents. The Democrats are being completely left out of the whole budget process. I am going to urge all Democrats in the legislature to urge their constituents to vote no on the proposed sales tax hike. You are unfortunately my representative. Believe me when I tell you that I shall be actively campaigning against you in the future.
Current time is 12:27 pm
Click here to read our Policies & Disclaimers.
Click here to go to the Newszap.com home page
