A Tax Day Conundrum
While we are all fuming and disgruntled about taxes on April 15, there’s a group in Vermont who see things - well… different.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Protesters nationwide demanded lower taxes on Wednesday. A group in Vermont can’t get enough of them.
Calling itself S.O.S., or Save Our State, the group held a small pro-tax protest in Montpelier, the national income tax-filing deadline, to drive home that taxes pay for needed programs and state employees perform necessary duties.
About two dozen people crowded around the state Tax Department’s help window while organizers turned in single-signature petitions, designed to look like a tax form, that organizers called SOS-EZ forms.
They list 17 state programs that could be kept whole with what organizers say would be a modest tax increase (I’ve never heard of a tax increase described as modest - ed.).
“It’s not just a day to worry about taxes; we value our institutions and the programs the state offers,” said S.O.S. organizer Chris Curtis, an attorney with Vermont Legal Aid. “We can’t pave our own roads. We can’t keep our own courthouse doors open. It’s frustrating that some days of the week the courts are closed.”
The protest came as thousands of demonstrators gathered nationwide for anti-tax rallies modeled on the original Boston Tea Party.
Dennise Casey, a spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, said he remained steadfast in his opposition to new taxes, but that taxpayers have the option to give the state more than legally required.
“I am assuming that all of these individuals who are advocating for paying more taxes have led by example by paying more taxes today,” Casey said. “As for struggling Vermont families, the governor is opposed to higher taxes.”
Well, luckily they have a Republican governor and will likely remain solvent. But just as I say that, look what happens:
“I think it’s time the common person stands up to the government taking everything from us,” said Bob Martin of Worcester.
But just one building over at the tax department– a much smaller group asked for just the opposite.
They want to pay more for taxes to save cuts to social service programs and state employee jobs.
“We’re not suggesting that we willy-nilly raise taxes but to do it in smart way that spreads out the burden,” said Lindsey Hescock of Middlebury.
“We need to have taxes to have the services and the infrastructure important to all of us,” said Shelia Reed, of Voices for Vt. Children.
Democratic lawmakers agree, and on Tax Day they supported a $24 million income tax hike.
“I don’t think anybody likes to pay taxes, I’m not wild about paying taxes, but I understand it’s an obligation of citizenship and I get a lot for the taxes I pay,” said Rep. Janet Ancel, D-Calais.
Wow. “I get a lot for the taxes I pay.”
You can’t make this stuff up.
A hat tip to jamiewearingfool for the post.
