We are not happy. Nope, not one bit. Zilch. Zero. Nada.
We have all watched intently on the budget discussions over the past several months unfold in the legislature concerning the budget fix of 2009 and the budget for 2010. Many of us have spoken with our legislators, attended Townhall forums, and listened to economists say that raising taxes (even temporary ones) during a recession is a very bad idea (and could be catastrophic).
In fact, we would even opine that the communication has never been better between our elected representatives and the voters in many regards. Legislators have heard our voices loudly and clearly to NOT raise taxes. Many of us expressed what a great opportunity we have to shrink the big government of the Napolitano administration. Many legislators spent long hours figuring out ways to cover the huge gaps between income and expenses. They even came up with a plan and a budget was sent to Governor Brewer for approval.
And then…
Early in the week, we heard that Governor Brewer is not happy with the budget proposal sent to her and will even shut down government if an agreement cannot be reached by July 1. The latest word now is that Senate President Bob Burns said that there is a tentative agreement to ask lawmakers to refer a sales-tax to the ballot, though no specifics have been outlined or official announcements have been made.
Say what?! We think we made it pretty clear at the TEA parties in Tucson and Phoenix and in our conversations with our legislators that we don’t want more taxes — even if they are temporary.
Let us point out a few points to the Governor and the legislature:
- We don’t want more taxes.
- We want small government.
- We don’t want more taxes.
- We don’t care if you shut down government. We don’t want more taxes.
- We don’t want more taxes. We are taxed too much already.
Also, what is interesting to note is that the tentative agreement indicated that if the vote went to the ballot, the language would provide directives where the money, if approved, would be sent to specific accounts like education. Here’s a problem… the vast majority of the spending for education is in administrative costs not in the classroom. So, even if the vote passes, money still would not be going to the classroom. Rather, it just would be eaten up by administrative costs.
If the legislature and the governor want to do right by the taxpayers and for Arizona, they need to remain focused on a very simple thought — Shrink Government. Then, and maybe then, our mood will change to happy.
AIA Frontlines - Blogging from the Battlefield 