SLIPPERY-SLOPE
The Difference between R’s and D’s — You Pay More
During the campaign, in at least one broadcast debate, then Candidate Lincoln Chafee, promised that his proposed sales tax hike would be limited to a one percent (1%) tax on currently tax exempt items. After being pressed at the debate on WPRI Channel 12 as to whether his proposal would simply open to the door to taxing these now tax exempt items at a higher rate than his 1 percent proposal, Chafee promised that through “leadership” he would control the General Assembly, which is run by Democrats, and stop them from raising the tax further. WPRI-TV (go to the 7 minute mark to begin listening to the exchange)
Last night we saw just how far promises go. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the slope was slippery at all. It appears that he has no intention of stopping the Democrat-controlled General Assembly from raising our taxes more than one percent on currently exempt items. In fact, he now proposes it himself.
According to the Providence Journal, “The plan under consideration late last week would impose the new 1-percent sales tax that candidate Chafee proposed to levy on some of the items that are currently tax-free, such as home heating oil. It would then apply the suggested 6-percent sales tax to a long list of other items and services that are now tax-free, such as dry cleaning, hair cuts and landscaping. (emphasis added) It is not yet known what other currently exempt items might also be taxed. The list is long, and it includes: newspapers; auto, furniture and television repairs; car washes; tickets to movies and sporting events; club dues, employment agency fees and tax-return services.” “Clues emerge to RI Governor Chafee’s first budget proposal”, Providence Journal
This is the real problem with tax and spend liberals, whether they are independents or Democrats. Once they open the door on taking more of our money to solve their problem it is easy to take more and more from us — even while many of Rhode Island’s working families are one pink slip away from personal financial calamity. Continue reading ‘Ken McKay: The Difference between R’s and D’s’
Neighborhood Schools Are Answer To Providence Financial Woes
Reacting to the proposed closure of 4 schools (all but 1 on the south side of the city), Providence Ward 8 Republican Chairman David Talan called for the restoration of neighborhood schools, as the only real way to save money.
Talan noted that today, most children (not by choice) have to ride a school bus to a school far from home. This is despite the fact that almost all of these children live walking distance to the closest elementary or middle school. The city spends $16 million a year on this game of musical-chairs forced busing. Talan estimated that the city could immediately save at least $8 million to $10 million a year, by sending children to their closest neighborhood school. Talan called on the Mayor to immediately form a committee to determine class assignments for this coming school year, based on where students live.
Talan noted that too many students on the south side already waste up to 3 hours a day, riding a bus to schools far from home. He expressed concern that closing 3 schools on the south side will result in even more children being forced to ride a bus, against their will, and will cost even more money.
Talan concluded, “When I was a child growing up in Providence, I usually walked to school. When Mayor Taveras was growing up, he usually walked to a nearby school. Today’s children should have the same opportunity, while saving a ton of money for the city at the same time.”
Contact: Dave Talan (h) 941-3662 (c) 862-7519