baltimoresun.com
7:30 AM EST, January 17, 2012
Our legislators would do well to consider the consequences of
increased taxes. The primary concern should be to examine what are
necessities and what are luxuries. For example, many taxpayers drive to
work, make a minimal wage, have lots of expenses, and buy gasoline every
week. Raising the gas tax — gasoline being in the category of necessity
— accomplishes little.
People need to get to work, to pay the
rent, to provide food for their families, to pay medical bills and
prescriptions, etc. These kinds of taxes would eventually have a
negative impact on all and could possibly cause people to apply for some
type of public assistance.
The people who are buying wine, beer,
chips, pretzels, movie theater tickets, sporting event tickets at
outrageous prices, and Broadway show tickets can obviously afford the
luxuries of life. Taxing these things makes more sense.
Yes, our
state has a great need for increased revenue, but increasing taxes on
the wrong items increases problems all around. Go for the extras, the
luxuries that many enjoy without severe consequences, not the
necessities!
Anne Ogaitis, Ellicott City
Copyright © 2012, The Baltimore Sun
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