If you drive a car, I’ll tax the gas
If you try to sit, I’ll tax your seat
If you get too cold, I’ll tax your heat
If you take a walk, I’ll tax your feet

-----from “The Tax Man” by The Beatles.

(04/02/07) Will taxes be going up in Vermont this year?  With the solid Democrat majority in the legislature, they say their focus is on creating jobs but, they need more revenue to fulfill their agenda.  Shumlin/Symington vow not to increase taxes but their past actions speak louder than words.

From heating fuel taxes to pay for contractors to insulate homes and gas guzzlers’ tax to pay for someone else’s transportation, to increased taxes on commercial real estate transactions to subsidize our dairy farmers, there’s never enough money for redistribution.

The Democrats are in charge and control purse strings.  They increased the minimum wage and eliminated secret ballots for workers on union representation.  They introduced a ”rich” couple’s income tax for those earning over $100K and another tax to pay for  Canadian-style “universal coverage” health care.

Medicaid is still under funded by $60M.  This hidden tax is paid by high health insurance rates that are 2X the national average.  Democrat leaders are now asking for $500,000 to create a health care rationing board in the event there’s a tax shortfall.  We’ll pay with our lives through rationing.

Gov. Douglas campaigned on an affordability agenda and the Democrats echoed the same concern to win votes.  After the election Democrat veterans indicated our tax burden isn’t bad and the rich still have the capacity to pay higher taxes for the greater good.  Then, ignoring the voters’ mandate for a major property tax reduction, they proposed spending millions to expand education to pre-kindergarten children.

Art Woolf’s Off the Rail’s data showed that if we don’t start controlling spending, “virtually all state revenues in 2030 will be needed to pay for just for education and human services.”  What state government needs should be in balance with what Vermonters can afford.

Mr. Taxman, spare me a dime or your victims will vote with their feet.
 

Frank Mazur
South Burlington

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Frank Mazur, a small business owner and former state representative, is chair of the advisory board of Vermont FreedomWorks.