According to dictionary.com, the definition of surplus is, “something that remains above what is used or needed”.
Unfortunately for the tax payers of South Dakota, that definition differs greatly from how Governor Daugaard sees it. He thinks these tax dollars are simply his to play with.
In a July 16 press release, the governor boasts about his administration’s “conservative” approach and actually claims that this was done without raising taxes. On top of that, we learn that the governor has no plans to return the overcharged taxes to their rightful owners, but will instead “increase state investments”. Letting the government “invest” your money is a lot like letting the fox take care of your chickens.
As to the claim that the extra funds came without raising taxes, either the governor has a poor memory or he is banking on the hope that the voting public does. Senate bill 152, (passed in 2011) added $20 to $30 million to local property taxes. When you include the increased tax for vehicle registration and the 1/2 cent sales tax increase, the governor’s extra spending money is seen for what it is; a clear over taxation of South Dakotans.
If Governor Daugaard truly wants to bolster his conservative credentials, there are a few things he can do right away.
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He can first admit that his tax increases were not only real, but unnecessary.
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He can begin to roll back taxes and propose real cuts in the size and reach of state government.
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He can also immediately return the money that he unnecessarily took from South Dakota taxpayers. This may be too much to hope for, but it is what a true conservative would do (Ronald Reagan gave 4 tax rebates while governor of California).
Of course, if we had a true conservative in the governor’s mansion, the issue of surpluses would be settled already.
***Gordon Howie is a nationally syndicated author, host of Liberty Today TV and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***
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