In the Utah Taxpayers Association most recent report, and no surprise, it was announced that Utah has the 4th highest tax and fee burden in the nation. As far as income tax burden, Utah takes the 16th highest bite out of total personal income of its citizens. Although this was something for which I was well aware, it leaves me once again with ample evidence to diagnose our state government with political schizophrenia.
From George W. Bush to Ronald Reagan, we have all become well aware of "conservative" fiscal policy. "The economy is best served when citizens keep more of their money", this is a theory which I believe in. When people feel they have control over their pocket books they are more likely to go out and buy a automobile, give money to their United Way, and start a small business, etc. When people have the expectation, and/or know that the government may take a large portion of their income through taxation they are likely to hold onto their clunker automobile, give less or nothing to charity, and will stick it out in a 9-5 job that offers little chance of advancement. Supposedly, low taxes is policy that "Red Utah" would adhere to. However, with Utah beating out "True Blue" states like California and Massachusetts our legislature likely should take a hard look at themselves and ask what party are we supposedly aligned with? Maybe Democratic Party candidate in Congressional District 1, Steve Olsen, is right on target in his essay “Why Most Utahns Are Democrats and Just Don'’t Know It Yet”, the numbers at which our state levies taxes seems to point to that conclusion.
I believe in low taxation. When the government allows people to hold and spend more of their money, they will do many of the things that bring prosperity to our nation -- without the artificial economic stimulation or spending, and people will be more altruistic to private charities -- without threat of search and seizure. I hope that the Governor and the Legislature will seek tax cuts that are meaningful to all Utahns.
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2 comments:
You're correct that the disconnect between our rhetoric and our actions is significant and needs to change.
Change, of course, requires a comprehensive understanding of our current situation. In formulating viable options (and I hope we do), we need to remember that two factors affect our situation -- we have fewer taxpayers per capita than most other states (because of our huge birth rate) and our land base contributes much less to government revenue than in other states (because less than a quarter of it is subject to taxation due to government ownership).
These can't be excuses -- because what you say is correct; when government takes the money, it's not there for the private sector to use and multiply. But we do need to factor them in as we come up with our unique strategy (such as better utilizing our incredible volunteer base, instead of tax money, in some areas).
Thank you for your comments, Steve. I appreciate your insight into the complexities of our tax dilema. I couldn't agree more with your ending statement.
"These can't be excuses -- because what you say is correct; when government takes the money, it's not there for the private sector to use and multiply. But we do need to factor them in as we come up with our unique strategy (such as better utilizing our incredible volunteer base, instead of tax money, in some areas)."
Thanks for your representation in the Legislature.
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