By Brian Ochsner baochsner@aol.com Senator Sue Windels’ bright idea to raise taxes even more (see Ben DeGrow's scoop on this site a few days ago) confirmed my suspicions about the thought process of big-government Dems and Republicans.
I thought about what led to bureaucrats “needing” Ref. C & D for more government spending. When Amendment 23 and FasTax were passed, that gave big spenders renewed hope. This is probably what they said to themselves:
“Gee, passing these tax increases was easier than I thought. All we have to do is tell a good story, and scare people into believing kids will starve, or traffic will be terrible. It worked twice, why not try it again?”
Once they got a taste of more money and power, they wanted even more. How big is government’s appetite for tax dollars?
Government’s desire for tax revenue is like Rosie O’Donnell’s hunger for Hostess Twinkies. Ted Kennedy’s thirst for tequila. Count Dracula’s (or is it Taxula’s?) appetite for blood….you get the picture.
This is the reason why TABOR has been great for Colorado taxpayers. It’s forced state government to exercise fiscal discipline, and has allowed folks to keep more of what they earn (Quick question - why is letting people keep more of their income a bad thing? Liberal logic, but I digress).
When this happens, people will usually spend more at businesses. Business owners can expand, invest, and hire more employees. It’s an economic law (and common sense) that benefits people every time tax reductions are implemented.
In my opinion, the third time won’t be the charm for another tax hike. I realize that a “muddle through” economy, plus inflation hikes in commodities has put a squeeze on the public and private sectors.
The debate on C & D shows the difference between the public and private sectors. When a household faces increasing expenses or shortfalls in income, they usually cut back and adjust their budget accordingly.
When government has struggles, they simply borrow more. Or in the case of the federal government, they can print money out of thin air.
However, a previous spending hike is the biggest cause of the state’s budget challenges. Anyone who’s taken (private) high school math can figure it out. Amendment 23’s mandated increase in K-12 education spending has taken money away from other programs.
Like any consumer or group that’s addicted to spending more money, and isn’t willing to discipline themselves, bad things lie in wait. Our federal fiscal situation is and will be challenging enough. There’s no need to compound the problem at the state level with higher taxation, spending and borrowing.
Some folks don’t like it because their district or entity won’t get everything they want. Programs and people will be affected, and I realize that some will be closed. However, stop and think about this – when kids get all the money and stuff they want, they usually turn out to be spoiled brats.
The same principle applies to government that gets all the money it wants. My hunch was right on the money that the Democratic (and moderate GOP) drumbeat for future tax increases wouldn’t stop with these bad ballot initiatives. Keep the bureaucratic brats in line. Vote no on C & D.
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