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Economics and Families
This is a photo of me with my son celebrating his kindergarten graduation. Even though the picture was taken a few years ago, it serves as a reminder that every year in the life of a child is important and to be valued as an opportunity to indelibly impact one’s understanding of life. Here is an excerpt from a newsletter sent to me by a current Missouri legislator:
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Stand With Me Against New Taxes!
This is a photo someone snapped while Gregory Thompson was introducing me in front of the courthouse in Springfield, Missouri. People rarely speak out against tax increases because they don’t want to offend anyone. I certainly don’t want to offend any of my friends who work for bureaucratic agencies funded by the taxpayers. However, before the elections on Tuesday, I have a few facts for your consideration.
While I was in office, my constituents frequently complained to me about how much they were paying in taxes. While I believe it is fully appropriate for constituents to dialogue with their elected officials about the level of taxation, in the majority of the cases, the reason the taxes are so high is because the voters voluntarily elected to place these excessive taxes on themselves.
If you don’t like your level of taxation, the place to start is to assist in preventing the passage of these taxes at the ballot box. Washington DC can raise your taxes without voter approval, but in Missouri the only way your taxes can increase is if the voters affirmatively go to the polls on election day and agree to a greater level of taxation for themselves.
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Whose Money Is It?
Governments can do things that are bigger and grander than what individuals can do by themselves. Last week, Bernie and I went to a production at the Muny, a municipal theater, seating 11,000 people of which 1,500 will always be free.
The Muny in Forest Park is owned by St. Louis and is a perfect example of how a government can create something for all to enjoy on any level without demanding greater taxation to keep it.It’s a shame that the voters are so easily manipulated, but sadly, this happens all the time. We tend to get wrapped up in the details and merits of the proposal, but fail to ask the larger questions. When looking at a tax increase, two questions should be asked:
1.) Why can’t they manage the money we have already sent them to run the proper functions of government?
2.) The government already receives a percentage of our income in taxes; for what reason must they receive a greater percentage of our income to continue the same standard? The infrastructure is already paid for, so shouldn’t maintenance be covered in the day to day operations budget?
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Taxed Enough Already?
The winter that went on for a very long time, finally gave way to Spring. Some people would call this flower a hyacinth, but at our household, we call it a “Hi ya, Cynth” When I was in office, one common complaint I heard was about the steadily increasing real estate taxes. Last week during our municipal elections, it became obvious why our taxes continue to increase. When people have an opportunity to vote to raise their taxes, they often do so without seriously considering the consequences.
One of my Face book friends wrote this: The scare tactics seemed to easily work. Congrats St Charles voters. There will be no end to it now. They’ll pull out the old “grandma’s gonna die” and “do it for the children” each time in the future, and you’ll happily comply. Never dreamed St Charles residents would become such statists.
Another friend of mine made this observation: “I now know what I need to put on my door hangers to win my election in August: “Do It For The Kids”, or “To Ensure Quick Response Times” ~ Joseph Wetter
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Tax Day
There’s something very nice about being able to enjoy the reward for our hard labors. Last week we celebrated my husband’s birthday. He teasingly smiled and said if he should precede me in death I am to put “No more death. No more taxes”, on his tombstone.Wouldn’t it be nice if April 15th were just another day on the calendar? Instead it conjures up thoughts of obligations to the government. I always wonder why I have to pay interest to the government if we guessed too low, but they don’t have to pay interest to me if we guessed high?
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Earl Williamson – Executive Director Missouri Fair Tax
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Tonight on Home Front we will be talking with Earl Williamson, Executive Director of Missouri Fair Tax. Call in with your questions.
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The Taxpayer Protection Pledge – What Could Be More Important?
The first time I ran for state office, I signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Americans for Tax Reform offers all the candidates the opportunity to go on record of opposing any and all tax increases. It was as easy as being asked if I love my children. The answer is an enthusiastic “Yes!”Although the Lieutenant Governor doesn’t file bills, as Lieutenant Governor, I can debate bills and break tie votes when they occur in the Senate.
