Reform of spending/taxing policies

By Lee D. Jamison

My ultimate long term goal is the total elimination of all property taxes.The scope of work needed in this effort is almost beyond comprehension. Virtually every line of the budget needs to be scrutinized, and efficiencies must be improved. Public awareness and support are critical to success. Currently, there is no incentive for government to become more efficient or creative in dealing with an entire galaxy of reoccurring and ever more expensive problems.

I would lead by example. In the short term, I would introduce directives that would require each department head to identify and implement improvements in efficiencies of at least 5% across the board. Most vacancies would remain unfilled until conditions improve. Lavish perks and benefits need to be brought in line with reality. The per diem outrage and other such taxpayer abuses will be reformed or done away with entirely. The unjust Federal income tax break that applies only to State Legislators must be done away with. I will not take this deduction. Many other innovations need to be applied to every aspect of State government. The long term solutions require a dramatically overdue constitutional convention.

The State Legislature should be drastically reduced in size, along with the outrageous number of support staff. My proposal is to maintain 50 Senate Districts, drawn along prudent boundaries that are conducive to efficiency and economic health. Within these Districts, voters would elect 2 State Representatives, each representing half of the population. Currently Pennslyvania taxpayers are paying for 50 State Senators and 203 Representatives. Under my proposal, we would eliminate 103 Representatives, who would then total 100. Every District would then be represented by 1 Senator and 2 Representatives, greatly increasing transparency and accountability. Close scrutiny must also be given to all other expenses. This proposal would be a good start in a positive direction.

Property taxes will then be reduced, especially through increasing amounts of gambling revenue. A portion of the new Marcellus Gas tax could eventually be used to further reduce property taxes. A cut in the unreasonably high corporate tax, along with the elimination of the "Delaware Loophole" would make for a more balanced and much friendlier business climate . As a result, we could then build an diverse economy of ever increasing strength based on jobs that we can do. The benefit of greatly improved tax revenues would help solve the perpetual problem of adequately funding the vital endeavors of State and local government.

My ultimate long term goal is to eliminate property taxes permanently, and replace this income with a combination of funding sources. The vast savings that would occur from my reforms along with greater tax revenues from a healthier business climate would be a starting point. An increase in gambling revenues, a possible tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars, and a slightly expanded sales tax can all be combined with the increasing tax money from the intelligent expansion of the Marcellus Shale gas resource. Of course, there are other options that I might consider. Of paramount importance is the proper funding of our educational requirements while maintaining a fair and balanced position with all taxpayers.
As I've stated,an enormous amount of work need to be done, but the general public must insist upon positive results from the Legislature, instead of accepting creative excuses.