Comment on State Budget: Irresistible Recession against Immovable Human Needs by Dave Morgan
Yes, I agree. It would like lifting up a sagging house and replacing its foundation. But that’s what the state needs. Far more stable revenue sources reflecting a re-newed commitment to statehood and a more consistent level of service to Nevada residents. What’s been proven is that we are “the Great State of Nevada” only when we’re lucky enough to have the money to deliver on the claim. Emperor, no clothes…all show, frequent no go…etc. The voters of this state need only look around them to see how broken our government is. Not only broken, but BROKE. Most Nevada residents need to be clearly shown how the current tax structure is forcing them to fork over taxes at a rate far higher than for the well off and super rich. When Governor Gibbons stands on the Capitol steps and bellows “I’m not going to raise your taxes!,” he’s not talking to Mr. and Mrs. middle class Nevada. He’s talking directly to gaming, mining, corporations and to the rich that run them. We need only to look to Oregon to see that with a personal income tax, starting with individuals making $125,000 a year and higher, and with a very low corporate income tax, AND NO SALES TAXES, they are weathering the recession far better than most states. Nevada’s low to middle class workers have been sold a lie that a personal income tax is “aids on a stick.” It would be, if personal income taxes started out with minimum wage workers, WHICH IT WOULD NOT! Start it with annual income levels higher than $100,000 and determine a progressive increase tailored to the financial needs of the state. And do it effectively enough to lower the sales tax rate, however slightly! Nevada’s rich and powerful have no excuse for not paying more of the freight. They’ve had it way too good for far too long. For it is only with an educated and productive workforce, provided through the expenditure of tax dollars, that enables the rich to get richer in this “great” state of Nevada. Additionally it is the stingy attitude of the the rich that has held this state back in generating a 21st century education system that would raise all boats, including the yachts of the wealthy!
Fair’s fair! Smart is smart!