WICHITA, Kan. - To tax or not to tax, that seems to be the pre-eminent worry in elected official's minds. Whether it's best to cover the costs of necessary government expenses or to tell some citizens - usually the least of our brethren, the disabled, the elderly, the poor, the children - that they will have to depend on the goodness of others or go on the streets. Is that the question? Or are the representatives and senators in Topeka and across the nation more worried about losing votes from their constituents should they raise taxes to cover essential costs?
There are two easy ways to raise taxes. They could accept Governor Parkinson's proposal to instigate a temporary (three-year duration) one percent sales tax. The more progressive, alternative method would be to raise taxes on the wealthiest in Kansas, the corporate farms and persons making more that $250,000 per year. Unfortunately, the latter proposal will have little success because some self-centered citizen or corporate lobbyist will scream "socialist."
Citizens always complain about taxes. It's the nature of the beast. After all, who wouldn't like to take home every penny they've earned. But we must care for the elderly, the infirm. We must support schools and not throw away good teachers or crowd classrooms. For decades, it has been America's shame that our students do not get as good an education as those of other first world nations. Why are we disposing of driver education when the state legislates for safety by requiring seat belt usage and other safety measures? Are teens whose families have limited budgets supposed to not drive because they can't afford private teachers? This is foolishness! Just another way to tax those who can't afford it.
So get on with it, you who are representing us - or supposedly representing all of us - in Topeka. Don't waste more taxpayer dollars in extending the length of your session to enact the necessary legislation. Accept Governor Parkinson's proposed sales tax increase. Do it today.
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