Can I See Your Papers Mr. Hernandes
14 years ago
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Very true that the cost of solar panels are a deterrent to most homeowners but these same homeowners spend thousands on luxury items like electronic equipment or high-dollar cars. Would it not be great if our energy could be viewed as a luxury not something that we unconsciously expect to 'just be there'? I am certainly guilty of thinking that as long as I pay my light bill the power will be on. If you think about it, something catastrophic will have to happen to show the U.S. that using the sun or wind as energy alternatives needs to be a concern for all, not just a way of life for some.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Is More Taxation The Only Way?
As I was driving last week the radio blared 'Senate to look into a 3 cent tax hike on all sugary drinks, Gatorade, and energy drinks to help curb obesity'. My first thought was; .03 x a whole lot of soda = a whole lot of money. I am so tired of the government, whether it is national or state, trying to save us by way of taxation.
As soon as I got home I looked up the proposed tax. The tax hike on the drinks will raise about 1.5 billion annually and lower consumption around 1%. WOW! One whole percent! I do not see where this tax is going to make a difference since it is not the only cause of obesity. I do, however, appreciate the acknowledgement that the money collected from the tax will go towards Obama's health care package and not in the guise of some program to wean the public off the sugary beverages.
The one thing that irritates me is when the states follow suit, jump on the tax bandwagon, and add a few more cents. The states will then defend the tax stating how the new tax will curb use, decrease the medical burden on the state and the taxpayers, and fund programs for lowering the obesity rate. Bologna. Most of the money collected, or all of it, will go for budget woes. This is exactly what happened with the added tax on tobacco, where 15 states that collect added tax, do not use the added tax for any tobacco program. I bet there are plenty of other states that use only a marginal amount of the money for the intended use.
Even though most of the excess taxes on things like tobacco, alcohol, and now sugary drinks affect only the people that use them, the ones who do not still need to hold their breath because something they may love to drink, eat, or enjoy could be next.
As soon as I got home I looked up the proposed tax. The tax hike on the drinks will raise about 1.5 billion annually and lower consumption around 1%. WOW! One whole percent! I do not see where this tax is going to make a difference since it is not the only cause of obesity. I do, however, appreciate the acknowledgement that the money collected from the tax will go towards Obama's health care package and not in the guise of some program to wean the public off the sugary beverages.
The one thing that irritates me is when the states follow suit, jump on the tax bandwagon, and add a few more cents. The states will then defend the tax stating how the new tax will curb use, decrease the medical burden on the state and the taxpayers, and fund programs for lowering the obesity rate. Bologna. Most of the money collected, or all of it, will go for budget woes. This is exactly what happened with the added tax on tobacco, where 15 states that collect added tax, do not use the added tax for any tobacco program. I bet there are plenty of other states that use only a marginal amount of the money for the intended use.
Even though most of the excess taxes on things like tobacco, alcohol, and now sugary drinks affect only the people that use them, the ones who do not still need to hold their breath because something they may love to drink, eat, or enjoy could be next.
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