At the beginning of 2008, as anyone who read this blog knows, I was irritated about the drink tax. It seemed unnecessary to me, and I took issue with the Port Authority getting this money. But after a few months, I just got over it. A big part of the reason is, I don't go out that often or drink that much (at least not since the office holiday party in 2007). So I am figuring this tax probably cost me and Brian between $15 and $25 this year, a rather paltry amount when you think about it. That notwithstanding, now that the tax has been lowered to 7 percent, does anyone really think that many businesses are going to lower their prices? Show of hands? I think I see one, although she might have been fixing hair.
Should the Port Authority have gotten that money to begin with? And now there is debate about the excess. Considering the condition of our roads, I am mostly for the overage being spent there. I read today that if the county does not get that money for the roads, which a judge ruled against, there is talk of property taxes being raised. Does anyone think Dan, Dan, the Tax Man would really do that, after he fought so hard for this drink tax, which he touted as the only way not to raise property taxes? Call me naive or just optimistic, but I don't think he will do it, mostly because I think he has higher political aspirations.
If our county debt was not enough, then we have the below-projected state sales and personal income tax revenue to worry about. Who thinks that Governor Spendell is NOT going to raise our taxes? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? That is what I thought. I have done my part in spending money this year, thank you very much, but I don't make or spend enough to keep the state afloat.
I have an idea to help save our state money--reduce the legislature. Show of hands who thinks that will happen in the next 10 years? What, none of you think our senators and reps would be willing to give up their cushy jobs, per diems, cars, days off on end, legal fees for various scandals?! Can someone please tell me why we need more people than larger states with greater populations have?
I hate to be so pessimistic when it comes to all this stuff, but I am also a realist. And, believe it or not, it is not that I am against paying taxes or even more taxes necessarily. But if people are not willing to change, if government is not willing to make painful cuts, why should those of us who have done those things be on the hook?
Anyone? Anyone?
Should the Port Authority have gotten that money to begin with? And now there is debate about the excess. Considering the condition of our roads, I am mostly for the overage being spent there. I read today that if the county does not get that money for the roads, which a judge ruled against, there is talk of property taxes being raised. Does anyone think Dan, Dan, the Tax Man would really do that, after he fought so hard for this drink tax, which he touted as the only way not to raise property taxes? Call me naive or just optimistic, but I don't think he will do it, mostly because I think he has higher political aspirations.
If our county debt was not enough, then we have the below-projected state sales and personal income tax revenue to worry about. Who thinks that Governor Spendell is NOT going to raise our taxes? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? That is what I thought. I have done my part in spending money this year, thank you very much, but I don't make or spend enough to keep the state afloat.
I have an idea to help save our state money--reduce the legislature. Show of hands who thinks that will happen in the next 10 years? What, none of you think our senators and reps would be willing to give up their cushy jobs, per diems, cars, days off on end, legal fees for various scandals?! Can someone please tell me why we need more people than larger states with greater populations have?
I hate to be so pessimistic when it comes to all this stuff, but I am also a realist. And, believe it or not, it is not that I am against paying taxes or even more taxes necessarily. But if people are not willing to change, if government is not willing to make painful cuts, why should those of us who have done those things be on the hook?
Anyone? Anyone?
Comments
Am I the only one who is bothered by all this? Does someone want to tell me to suck it up and get over it? I can take it. I would love to hear what others think about my tax and spending gripes (not all of which I listed).
Yeah, right.