That’s a great plan…
Unless you happen to be the “other guy”.
Several years ago in the South Dakota State Legislature, I helped defeat a proposal that would have increased taxes on Ag producers as much as 40%. It was brought forward by a fellow Legislator who is a Republican and a friend. His assertion was that we could solve funding problems for education in South Dakota if we would make Ag producers pay their “fair share”. Note: he is not an Ag producer.
Now, the proposal to increase taxes on agriculture property is being floated again, by another Republican.
When I served in the State Senate, I had a conversation with a fellow Legislator who was bringing forward another tax increase. You guessed it… another Republican. His assertion was that most South Dakotans WANTED his tax increase. As I cast my vote against his proposal, I suggested that if most South Dakotans WANTED his tax increase, he should amend it to make it voluntary. He didn’t like that idea.
It is always easy to raise taxes on the “other guy”. Its an easy way to create instant revenue to fund more government.
Most people agree that education funding is problematic. If you look at the history of our State, you will find that it has ALWAYS been a major issue, dating back to the early days. Frankly, its more complicated than just throwing more money at the problem. A real solution would include things like merit pay, vouchers, and a host of other things.
Back to the issue of taxing the “other guy”.
Instead of increasing taxes on the number one industry in South Dakota, why don’t these well meaning Republicans (and Democrats) work to solve the problem themselves. They could voluntarily “tax” themselves. I will offer the Faith and Family Foundation (a 501-C3 organization) as a vehicle . These community minded proponents of better education can send their voluntary “tax” contributions to the Faith and Family Foundation. We will create a committee which will develop grants to school districts, increases for teacher pay and other important education needs.
Honestly, I don’t expect any contributions. What I do expect, is that these proponents of taxing the “other guy” will continue to invent ways for someone else to fund their great ideas. Maybe I am wrong.
Will you increase YOUR OWN taxes?
***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***
“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”
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