RB wrote:
F. George McDuffee wrote:
On Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:21:09 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

F. George McDuffee wrote:
===========
In many cases this is the result of the huge tax subsidies given
to selected companies, either through special abatements, special
taxing districts, "gentlemen's agreements, etc.
A contributing factor is the transfer of manufacturing operations
with their associated land, buildings, and equipment overseas.
They may still pay property and personal taxes, but not here.

It costs "X" amount to run a modern/acceptible local government,
with adequate schools [unfunded Federal mandates?], public safety
[police & fire], emergency medical [more unfunded Federal
mandates -- "free" E/R medical care] and social services
[overtaxed in many areas by illegal migration], and the
homeowners and small businesses must make up the shortfall due to
the special tax treatments for some and continual off-shoring of
manufacturing.

Excessive [and increasing] property taxes for homeowners and
small businesses are a symptom, and indeed a serious symptom, but
not *THE* problem. If the property taxes are limited, then the
income and sales taxes increase. If income and sales taxes are
frozen, then new and increased governmental "fees" are imposed
[see California for this gambit.]
This is a very serious long term problem for local/state and
representative government and will not be corrected by tinkering
around the edges, aka "rearranging the deck chairs on the
Titanic."


I thought we did something about this kind of thing - a long time ago?

Yes, involved tea, as I recall.
Time to revisit the concept.


April 15th, 2009 - Tax Revolt Day!