MORE ON TAXPAYER RIGHTS. Enough is enough…

July 26, 2007

Enough is enough. Stop the spending. Return those surpluses to the taxpayer! Why is it so common to have surpluses these days? Doesn’t that mean that more than what was needed
to meet the budget was collected? If that is the case (and it IS the case), then why is it collected in the first place? Wouldn’t it be better to have a shortfall and then some way make adjustments to cover those unanticipated, yet unlikely (assuming proper planning) emergency
situations?

Referencing my previous article (TAXPAYER BILL OF RIGHTS: HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?)-
I mentioned a bill that was being considered to curb the spending and put PA back on the road to fiscal health and economic prosperity. To date, the state senate has 30 co-sponsors out of 50 members of the Senate for the Taxpayer Protection Act. Under this act(if it bacame law)
more than $478 million of the $650 million budget surplus from last year would have been returned to the taxpayer through a reduction in the Personal Income Tax.

And you thought I was losing my mind? The bad news is,as usual, the money was spent. The good news is that we do have legislators and other people working to make
something happen for positive change in the future. Contact your legislators today to
voice your support for this idea.

Again, none of Gov. Rendell’s tax increase ideas were part of the final budget but sources do tell me that spending increased over 5% when you consider the carry-overs, add-ons and surpluses that were all a part of the budget. The big new spending took place in 2 areas:
Education related and Transportation/Mass Transit, although Health services, Energy and the Environment had their share of some new spending.

$750 Million worth of NEW spending will go to transportation/mass transit. Remember this does NOT include the $300 Million carry-over from the last fiscal year. Also note that this will go to $900 Million in ‘09!!!!!! A sizeable amount goes to bail out big city mis-management of mass transit. How does that make you feel if you live in rural PA or even the ‘burbs of these big city endless money pits that continue to rely on the state to “bail them out?” Of course precedent has been set a long time ago and it is now more of an entitlement mentality.

Keep on comin’ back for more of The Daily Grit! Tell all your friends about this blog. We can and will make a differece together.

Sincerely,

Dave Huffman
Editor
7-26-07
NOTE: Editor will be on vacation. Don’t miss the next article in two weeks. Topic: The Daily Grit Williamsport
Focus Group response to state issues.

TAXPAYER RIGHTS? HAVE YOU LOST YOU MIND??????

July 15, 2007

Yes, with runaway spending and growth in state government programs, it’s about time considering that state spending has increased by about 30% during Gov. Rendell’s first term in office (’03-’07). The budget now exceeds a whopping $27 billion!!!

Although it appears that we will escape Rendell’s numerous tax and spend schemes this year (but who knows for sure as the budget STILL is not finalized as of this writing on 7-14; all we have is an agreement of sorts), extra spending is still a big part of this budget package being considered. Spending is reportedly to increase near 5% if you add in the mass transit amount of $300 million from last year. We all know that budget numbers can be made to appear however those who create them want them to appear (dare I mention in this forum the old saying, “figures lie and liars figure?” The use of the term liars may be a bit strong here by you do know what I mean).

And how ’bout those infamous add-ons that are inevitably a part of every budget season. You know, those little gifts that are plugged in at the very end like uniforms & stadium lights for sports teams and the installation of signs at farmer’s markets? You know, things that government should NOT be paying for!

Ultimately, the only answer to our problem is some kind of taxpayer bill of rights!!!!! Before you think I’ve lost my mind, would it be nice to FINALLY restrain Harrisburg from overspending. All we have to do is pass legislation that would limit the amount the government could raise our taxes based upon some type of formula tied to something like the cost of living, rate of inflation, etc… If you’ve stayed with me this long, I’ve saved the best for last. Are you ready for this???? There is actually legislation proposed that would accomplish this. Want to learn more???? Let me know. We can do it. All we need is a little determination and, yes, grit!

Sincerely,
Dave Huffman
Editor, The Daily Grit
7/15/07

Dave balks Thursday, throws strikes Saturday!

July 9, 2007

Yeah, but in both instances a win was recorded!  On Thursday, I balked at another school district tax increase (see front page of Williamsport Sun-Gazette  6-29), a winning vote for the taxpayer but without support, unfortunately, from the rest of the board.  On Saturday, 6-30 I threw out the first pitch at the Williamsport Crosscutters minor league baseball game (Class A Phillies affiliate) and it was a perfect strike!  As the crowd of almost 3,000 cheered, I could tell I had great control that night as the Cutters went on to win 2-0.  When you think about it, balking at a tax increase is also like having great control over the excesses of government……

Comments?????  Thoughts???

Dave Huffman

Editor, Daily Grit

  

“Look Out!” Governor Rendell is trying to pick your pocket again!!!

July 6, 2007

 Republican Elephant

For sure, any new tax scheme that hasn’t been thought of is fair game for this governor if he can get away with it!

Seven, yes 7, new creations for the tax and spend government spending philanthropist extraordinaire…

Huffman opposes local tax increase, AGAIN!

July 2, 2007

Nothing new, but still very significant here in the Northern Tier. As editor of this site, I registered my annual “no” vote again Thursday, June 28 (story with Huffman picture in Friday, June 29 Williamsport Sun-Gazette). The article quotes me as saying: ” I don’t believe in the idea that the quality of education has to suffer or that programs have to be cut when taxes are not raised. The taxpayers are burdened enough as it is.” Another quote that was not printed but is even more significant : “Taxes continue to increase every year in the Williamsport, PA school district while enrollment continues to decline every year.” As your editor of thedailygrit, I find this illogical. I can’t help but wonder how a business could be run this way!?!?!? Enrollment is projected to decline another 8 and one-half percent over the next four years but taxes will continue to increase. Haven’t we had enough?

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