Tax burdens rose in the last 10 years
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Even with the Bush tax cuts in effect, most U.S. citizens are paying more now than ever in taxes.
How could this be? It's just not possible, considering that Bush gave away the bank and helped the rich get richer thanks to the deficit causing tax cuts that he enacted with the help of the Congress, no? NO! is the right word.
Here's the quick and simple on what has happened, despite the double talk we see from some corners on the tax issue: Federal taxes may have decreased, but State and Local taxes have increased at a pace much higher than the Bush tax cuts have resulted in. Basically, the burden has shifted back to the States and Localities to fend for themselves, rather than depend upon Big Daddy Fed-bucks for their own well being.
Is this a good thing? In my world, yes. We don't need the federal government robbing from the rich and helping the poor and redistributing the wealth among the 50 States. We already see some of what happens because of this, with ear-marks and other pork-barrel spending for bridges to nowhere in Alaska, relocations of virtually any and every government agency that can be moved without issue moved into West Virginia and other similar issues. Taking the money away from the hands and control of the U.S. Senators and U.S. House of Representatives means that I have local politiicians, that understand my needs as they probably have very similar needs themselves handling those needs.
The Federal Government has their hands in so many different things in our lives at this point, including Agriculture, Energy, Education and much more. Most of that involvement is duplicative of other agencies. If we eliminate that waste, and allow the States to do what they know to be best, we all would be a lot better off.
In anycase, supporting article snippet follows. Please see original for complete details.
Burden of taxes up over 10 years
By Tarron Lively
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 9, 2006
Taxes were up in the past 10 years for Maryland and Virginia residents, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, disappointing both lawmakers and anti-tax advocates.
The tax burden in Virginia increased by 55 percent in that period, with a per capita amount of $1,903 in 2004.
In Maryland, the tax burden increased by 46 percent, with an individual tax burden of $2,214 in 2004.
The District's tax statistics are computed with cities' and local governments' financial data, which won't be available until April, the Census Bureau said.
Arthur Purves, president of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance, said he was not surprised at Virginia's ranking. He called the state's spending habits frivolous, particularly in the public schools system, where he said expenses are rising 10 times faster than enrollment.
"Our state is spending like a drunken sailor," Mr. Purves said. "The legislature has no idea how much money we're pouring into the public schools system, or how little we're getting in return."
James Parmelee, president of Virginia watchdog group Republican Action, said the numbers reflect what he has been saying for years. He said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the data will pressure Virginia lawmakers to provide tax relief.
"It's certainly an uphill battle," Mr. Parmelee said. "The numbers are very helpful, because we now have nonpartisan numbers that show that taxes have been rising. I hear a lot of politicians say that taxes aren't going up; these numbers show they are clearly wrong."
A member of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's Cabinet said the census study is misleading.
Secretary of Finance Jody M. Wagner said the numbers do not take into account that much of the state's income tax is used for local funding or the state's car-tax rebate.
The high numbers also are reflective of the state's prosperity because more residents are in higher income brackets, Mrs. Wagner said.
... more at linked article
How could this be? It's just not possible, considering that Bush gave away the bank and helped the rich get richer thanks to the deficit causing tax cuts that he enacted with the help of the Congress, no? NO! is the right word.
Here's the quick and simple on what has happened, despite the double talk we see from some corners on the tax issue: Federal taxes may have decreased, but State and Local taxes have increased at a pace much higher than the Bush tax cuts have resulted in. Basically, the burden has shifted back to the States and Localities to fend for themselves, rather than depend upon Big Daddy Fed-bucks for their own well being.
Is this a good thing? In my world, yes. We don't need the federal government robbing from the rich and helping the poor and redistributing the wealth among the 50 States. We already see some of what happens because of this, with ear-marks and other pork-barrel spending for bridges to nowhere in Alaska, relocations of virtually any and every government agency that can be moved without issue moved into West Virginia and other similar issues. Taking the money away from the hands and control of the U.S. Senators and U.S. House of Representatives means that I have local politiicians, that understand my needs as they probably have very similar needs themselves handling those needs.
The Federal Government has their hands in so many different things in our lives at this point, including Agriculture, Energy, Education and much more. Most of that involvement is duplicative of other agencies. If we eliminate that waste, and allow the States to do what they know to be best, we all would be a lot better off.
In anycase, supporting article snippet follows. Please see original for complete details.
Burden of taxes up over 10 years
By Tarron Lively
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
February 9, 2006
Taxes were up in the past 10 years for Maryland and Virginia residents, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, disappointing both lawmakers and anti-tax advocates.
The tax burden in Virginia increased by 55 percent in that period, with a per capita amount of $1,903 in 2004.
In Maryland, the tax burden increased by 46 percent, with an individual tax burden of $2,214 in 2004.
The District's tax statistics are computed with cities' and local governments' financial data, which won't be available until April, the Census Bureau said.
Arthur Purves, president of the Fairfax County Taxpayers Alliance, said he was not surprised at Virginia's ranking. He called the state's spending habits frivolous, particularly in the public schools system, where he said expenses are rising 10 times faster than enrollment.
"Our state is spending like a drunken sailor," Mr. Purves said. "The legislature has no idea how much money we're pouring into the public schools system, or how little we're getting in return."
James Parmelee, president of Virginia watchdog group Republican Action, said the numbers reflect what he has been saying for years. He said he is "cautiously optimistic" that the data will pressure Virginia lawmakers to provide tax relief.
"It's certainly an uphill battle," Mr. Parmelee said. "The numbers are very helpful, because we now have nonpartisan numbers that show that taxes have been rising. I hear a lot of politicians say that taxes aren't going up; these numbers show they are clearly wrong."
A member of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's Cabinet said the census study is misleading.
Secretary of Finance Jody M. Wagner said the numbers do not take into account that much of the state's income tax is used for local funding or the state's car-tax rebate.
The high numbers also are reflective of the state's prosperity because more residents are in higher income brackets, Mrs. Wagner said.
... more at linked article
