Editor, The Era-Leader:
I’ve been looking at these “new” amendments on the ballot. Are they really going to do us, We, the People, in Louisiana any good?
#1 – sets up a new way to collect and distribute sales taxes. While this amendment wouldn’t reduce sales taxes (we pay the third highest sales taxes in the nation) it would make it more efficient and with less paperwork. However, it shifts the collection of sales taxes to a new, unelected commission. Would this delay the time between the collection of sales taxes and when those taxes get remitted to local governments? Given how politicians work these days, this is something to think about, whether you believe that this could be a problem or not.
#2 – On the face of it, lowering personal income tax and corporate franchise tax rates sounds like a good thing. You know, lower taxes. But, it also removes the deduction of how much you pay the federal government at tax time. While it is argued that most tax-payers wouldn’t see any big change in their taxes, individuals that claim excess itemized deductions are likely to see a tax hike. Again, while this is a fairly small percentage of our state’s population, about 7%, those who do aren’t necessarily wealthy. So, in essence, we would trade a tax cut for a tax hike. However, the amendment falls short, as it only eliminates the federal deduction from the state constitution, but doesn’t prohibit it altogether. There is nothing stopping future legislators from re-establishing this tax break in state law.
#3 – Now this, while it may be beneficial to those affected, I am against any type of tax that is instituted without voter approval. Granted this wouldn’t have any issue here in Washington Parish, but in those parishes it does, I still think the people ought to have a say in who takes their money and how much.
#4 – Allowing a governor and the legislature to shift money that has been budgeted, given how fiscally responsible they are (hahahahahahahahaha), is not the greatest idea. Yes, there can and will be shortfalls in money collected and budgeted, but then that’s why we have budgets. Review and reallocation of funds can be accomplished, also, living within your budget should be practiced more. Protected funds in the state budget are protected for a reason. Now, yes, the unprotected parts of the budget bear the brunt of budget cuts when the state has a midyear shortfall. I’m thinking that this is a fact of life in state government. I’m also thinking that there should be a general overhaul of state spending in all departments.
I urge every voter in Washington Parish to do the research. Think about what you are voting for. It does matter.
Ben M. Sarro
Franklinton
