Unregistered
June 10th, 2003, 09:46 AM
Let liberals volunteer to pay higher taxes
When I lived in Massachusetts, instead of raising the tax rate, officials elected to put a check-off line on the state income form that allowed all good-hearted liberals to reject the 5.3 percent rate and voluntarily pay a 5.85 percent rate. For example, if you earned $40,000 and paid $2,120, you could voluntarily pay an extra $220.
I think New York should adopt the same policy and see the liberals and politicians put their money where their mouths are. If they really support higher taxes, here's an opportunity for them to pay their fair share. The crisis would be solved if those who demand higher taxes pay them, and the rest of us mean-spirited types who work two or three jobs to make ends meet can keep more of our money.
The Massachusetts program was a phenomenal "success" last year. Of the 4 million taxpayers, 140 opted to pay at the higher rate, for an additional $12,000 in the state coffers. I believe this voluntary tax-increase check-off is a great idea - we do it annually with our local school budget votes, so let's expand it to our state income tax.
BRENDAN M. CULLINAN
Clarence
www.buffalo.com
When I lived in Massachusetts, instead of raising the tax rate, officials elected to put a check-off line on the state income form that allowed all good-hearted liberals to reject the 5.3 percent rate and voluntarily pay a 5.85 percent rate. For example, if you earned $40,000 and paid $2,120, you could voluntarily pay an extra $220.
I think New York should adopt the same policy and see the liberals and politicians put their money where their mouths are. If they really support higher taxes, here's an opportunity for them to pay their fair share. The crisis would be solved if those who demand higher taxes pay them, and the rest of us mean-spirited types who work two or three jobs to make ends meet can keep more of our money.
The Massachusetts program was a phenomenal "success" last year. Of the 4 million taxpayers, 140 opted to pay at the higher rate, for an additional $12,000 in the state coffers. I believe this voluntary tax-increase check-off is a great idea - we do it annually with our local school budget votes, so let's expand it to our state income tax.
BRENDAN M. CULLINAN
Clarence
www.buffalo.com