MA: Mideast Budget 2012 (Debating)

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I'd suggest to make up for some of the budget shortfalls maybe bringing the beer tax up to at least even with the wine tax, not to say it will help entirely but it seems like at least something that may help a bit without being too burdensome.

This is understandable. I'd support such an amendment most likely.

As for the budget, Governor ZuWo sent it to me to look at before I was elected and I told him what we've got here is better than nothing and works for this point in time.

I would probably agree with both of you.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I like the sound of a lot of these proposals.  I would support a toll road system and possibly an increase in the beer tax, although I don't like tax increases.  Just as long as we're not raising taxes on businesses or business owners.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I support the beer tax amendment too, and I agree with Governor ZuWo that they should be equally taxed because I can't see much difference that would merit a different race for beer and wine.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Aye

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Maybe make some cuts to administration.  Anybody know a responsible way to do that?

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Maybe make some cuts to administration.  Anybody know a responsible way to do that?

No, because in many programs, especially more entitlements programs we are on the brink or underfunded as it is. The problem with Atlasian budgets is we don't have control of management really. We only can pass laws of how to make something more efficient. I'm sure we could try some free market ideas like Mitch Daniels did in Indiana. Instead of making a toll road, just set aside a chunk of money and whatever company shows the most efficient and effective plan wins the contract and the road is toll free and in better shape than the government building and taxing it. We might already have that in the region though, I am unsure...

If we don't have that yet, then I would support it.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Let's cut government as opposed to raising taxes on income or this proposed beer tax increase.

Normally I'd agree with you, but there must be some room for short term tax increases in order to keep revenue flowing.

I would probably agree with both of you on this one.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Would a pension tax have to be done in a separate bill?

I would be willing to support that, but as long as it only affects future employees.  

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I second A-Bob's statements. A balanced budget is ideal, but we can't gut our government.

Thirded.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

If we want to do away with some of the tax expenditures/tax cuts in order to move closer to a balanced budget we need concrete suggestions.

We could, for example, reduce tax deductions for charitable contributions (these tax exemptions currently account for $3.62 billion of our budget). We could also cut the so-called R&D (Research & Development) tax breaks for corporations (they make up $7.0 billion of the budget). If you don't like that feel free to put forward your own ideas.

I really don't know which expenditures/cuts to do that with.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I won't accept any bill with education cuts.

I'm gonna have to agree with HappyWarrior on this one. It's important that regional government wisely handles matters concerning education delicately.

I second both your statement and HappyWarrior's.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

I'll bring the following amendment to a vote.  Members will vote AYE, NAY, or ABSTAIN.  This will be a 24-hour vote.

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I hate to do this, but Aye.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

If I had been here for the vote, I would've voted for it.