Vermont Does Not Need More Taxes

Frank Mazur says it all. The costs of government are too high.

More taxes not the answer by Frank Mazur

Democrats are advocating tax increases to pay for education and transportation. They also advocate an expansion of state bureaucracy and the preservation of costly mandates. They have picked up the support of Anthony Pollina who wants to make our tax system "fairer." But fair to them means increased government spending at the expense of the minority whose cumulative vote is insignificant.

Vermont's progressive tax structure is devastating. Thirty-six percent of tax filers, those who earn less than $20,000, pay only 1 percent of our income tax. The top 16 percent of tax filers earning more than $76,000 a year pay 70 percent of our income tax. Hurting the people who are already carrying the main tax burden is confusing fairness with stupidity.

Gov. Douglas' affordability agenda's focus is to reduce tax burdens. Opponents want to preserve or raise spending levels and services. Legislative priorities will determine Vermont's destiny.

Compared to the other 50 states Vermont's state and local tax burden is No.1; top rate for income tax, No. 3; education spending, top corporate income tax rate and property taxes, No. 4; electric rates No. 8, and fuel and Department of Motor Vehicles fees per capita No. 14. Not included are hidden taxes that increase health insurance premiums about 35 percent. Democrats are inciting class warfare in health care as they did in promoting equity education funding.

House Speaker Gaye Symington's and Pollina's leadership may unite their comrades, but it won't create the change needed to insure prosperity our parents enjoyed years ago. Oppressive taxation drives away investors and entrepreneurs. Others will vote with their feet to a friendlier tax climate.