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Here we go again; Will Kraus
Editor
Lee’s Summit Tribune
Here we go again; Will Kraus is pushing for another tax cut in a state that has cut many important programs, including full funding for education. When the state cuts taxes that are not balanced by cutting state programs that provide health care for low income workers, when the state cannot fully fund K-12 education, when spending for higher education is cut, and when they consistently cut taxes while knowing the only way to raise tax revenue is to put tax increases on the ballot, there is something out of whack.
Let’s face it, for decades the Republicans have cut taxes, have cut important programs, and have ignored their obligation to fully fund education. What would Will Kraus do to replace the revenues that would be lost due to his tax cuts? How many families will benefit by increasing the exemption from $1200 to $2000? That change would be an increase in the exemption for dependents by $800, but, assuming that a family had earned enough money to be in our state’s highest tax bracket, 6%, they would only realize a savings of $4/month for each exemption. Meanwhile our state is already working with a smaller flow of money due to the recession. Would that $4/ month tax cut stimulate the economy of this state, or would it only lead to more cuts in various important programs that are already underfunded? Many of those underfunded programs could benefit low income families more than a $4 a month tax cut. Would those Missourians who rely on Medicaid, or who, depending on their income, would rely on Medicaid, think that the four dollar a month tax cut is worth it to them to lose that important benefit?
It is time that Republicans stop playing politics, and stop buying votes, by continually offering and passing tax cuts when they know that the only way to reverse that loss of income is for voters to support a tax increase without fully understanding why that tax increase is needed. Missouri needs a pay-go system where no taxes can be cut until programs to be cut are explained to voters or where other sources of revenue are found in order not to cut those important programs. Will Kraus understands that voters like tax cuts and that they do not understand how their taxes are used. He knows that people will not vote for tax increases unless they are for education and sports stadiums. The rich team owners should pay for stadium improvements, not tax payers. Our school taxes in Lee’s Summit are much larger because of cuts in state funding for schools and because we value education.
Gene W. DeVaux
Greenwood, MO
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