These are classic discussions published back in September 2006
Other People’s Money
The D-News reports that 60% of Utahns would rather give money to public education than have an income tax cut.
Under J2 (the dual-track system), Utahns can do exactly that. They can calculate their taxes, and pay the higher amount, if they choose. That money would go to public education (and a little to higher education).
Anyone wanna bet whether 60% of the people opt to pay the higher amount?
“Clumsy, deliberately self-defeating, ineptitude”
It looks like some who are rabidly critical of the way President Bush is handling his ultra-complex tasks can’t even organize a protest.
Walking for Walker
I joined a sizeable group of volunteers to knock on some doors in Sandy for Rep. Mark Walker. It was a tremendously successful event.
Two of the things I appreciate most about Rep. Walker are (1) his natural leadership abilities and (2) his independence. It’s impossible to lead by following, and Mark has shown that he is strong enough to stand on his own and capable enough to bring people to his position. And that is the combination that makes for a great legislator.
Sandy has produced more than its fair share of legislative leaders, and Mark will continue that tradition.
Iraq, Free Speech, and Secretary Rumsfeld
One thing I love about my family is that it takes up a lot of bandwidth on the spectrum of political thought. Recently, we have been having a robust exchange on Iraq, free speech and Secretary Rumsfeld. My brother-in-law is a Major with the Rough Riders in Iraq. He weighed in with the following e-mail.
The world is not as black and white as many in academia and politics see it. Those in academic circles usually see the world along much cleaner lines than most, and it’s a good thing, because it allows for debate. Debate would be very boring if everything were seen as shades of gray, because the differences would be too obscure to lend any meaning to the argument.
However, when taken to extremes, debate becomes unproductive. Polemics in debate leads to a kind of blindness, because it causes people to believe without question anything that supports their thesis (ask Dan... (read more)
Utahns Want Tax Cuts
Spending interests often argue that Utahns don’t want tax cuts. They even buy polls to support that position. Don’t believe it.
Here’s all the proof you need, from a Deseret News article describing Rep. Carol Moss’s new-found support of the proposed tax cut:
A retired teacher, Moss said it’s clear the $70 million taken off the table during the 2006 Legislature for tax cuts will not “go back to education now.” Since the only alternative is a tax cut — and since at least $30 million is going to spread the brackets in the current system — she figured she would vote for it and hope for more true tax reform later.
I’m sure you’ll hear that kind of story often in the next few weeks. It’s nonsense. Ask the representative if he/she understands that the tax cut applies every year, meaning that the money will be taken off the table every year, not just this year. ... (read more)
Special Session — J2
The income tax bill that will be on the special session contains three elements: (1) an optional flat tax alternative, (2) stretching the brackets and reducing the top rate under the current system, and (3) a $70,000,000 tax cut.
I like all three items, and will vote “yes.” A bit of personal history to explain my enthusiasm: during the tax reform task force, some of us pushed for Utah to adopt a flat tax. Though the motion passed out of the income tax subcommittee, it quickly died thereafter.
At that point, I advocated that we cut taxes by simply stretching the brackets and reducing the top rate of the current system. But, in the swamp vapors of “reform,” the idea of sticking with our current system (which system makes sense and is quite simple once federal taxes are calculated) was not sexy enough. (Note: putting the word “reform” in the title of any working... (read more)
Income Tax Cut
I had my gubernatorial tutorial this morning on the income tax proposal. I can’t emphasize how much I appreciate Governor Huntsman getting out and visiting with the House members in advance of the special session. Believe me – it’s a tough crowd.
The members are strong, independent and loyal to their constituencies (which differ greatly throughout the state). Getting a big project across the goal line requires lots of meetings and conversations. And during those meetings and conversations, the job is to listen. Members bring questions and concerns that come from their unique backgrounds and the input of their constituents. Rather than regard the meetings as sales pitches, it is better to regard them as learning opportunities (for the project proponent). The collective wisdom of the members is remarkable. They will instruct the proponent where the bill should be.
On the income tax issue, Governor Huntsman did a fantastic job of listening... (read more)
College Affordability