A few days ago the local paper ran a story about the dealings down in Springfield with regards to the budget talks and ending them before the Memorial Holiday. Our esteemed local State Rep Frank Mautino was quoted as saying something to the effect that the average tax payer doesn’t comprehend what a billion dollars is. He went on the explain a 25% cut as someone who was making $40,000 a year being told next year they would make only $30,000. While math was never my strong suit in school I really am tiring of politicians thinking they have to simplify things so the average person can understand.
The truth is our state law makers are the ones in need of a math class!
I think they are the ones who cannot grasp what a billion dollars represents. They spend our tax dollars like drunken sailors (no offense fellas, after all the sailors are only spending their own dough!) Taxes in our state and user fees (a cute way to hide the fact that they are also taxes) have continually gone up year after year and the deficit in our state has risen as well. Does anyone think this tax increase will end the future increases?
Our state has become fodder for late night comedians because of the illegal actions and mismanagement of those we have elected. We are the laughing stock of the country currently. Now our recently impeached governor’s wife is entertaining the idea to go on a reality show because the former first family of the state is going broke!
I don’t want to cast a crooked shadow over all those current state office holders but do you recall when the now former Governor was running for re-election any democrats saying no, stop, he ‘s a crook!!
The cycle never ends and we as voters are responsible. Remember the old phrase ” You get the government you deserve!” We need to rethink the way we choose our elected officials. Let’s hold their feet to the fire and not buy into the emotional appeal they use to come after your wallets. “If we don’t get a tax increase we will have to (a) close schools, (b) cut child health care (c) close state parks (d) leave roads in disrepair…..BULL!
How about cutting elected officials perks first, the pensions,the .50 cents a mile payback versus .30 for those called to jury duty, the per diem for every day spent in Springfield, the extra pay for committee meetings, the office staffs payroll and housing, and on and on. Why is the tax increase the first option and not the last resort for these lawmakers?
Finally Mr Mautino, spare me the math lesson. The problem isn’t that we don’t understand the concept of a billion dollars it’s that you and your fellow lawmakers can’t stomach the idea of getting by with less…….
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