A gateway tax

People don’t generally realize that the proposed state income tax on high earners is a “gateway tax.” The state is asking the voters to support implementing an income tax, in this case one that specifically targets “high earners.” But, once the voters approve an income tax at any level, it is virtually certain that subsequent legislative sessions will lower that target.

It starts at $200,000 but will soon become $150,000, then $100,000, and so on until a state income tax on every earner is standard practice. Some may call this a slippery slope argument, but experience has shown that this is precisely how government policy evolves.

It’s tempting to approve this measure out of frustration and a willingness to put the burden of economic recovery on the “wealthy.” But we need to realize that this is merely a stepping stone to a tax that will eventually extend to each of us. Kudos to Bill Gates Sr., who supports the measure, but why not just make a charitable donation to the state and avoid the risk that the rest of us will, eventually, be required by law to make a sacrifice we may not be able to afford?

Joan Huff

Cheney