Kowabunga

Strib Says “No” on Sales Tax Amendment

October 24th, 2008 | by Sqotty |

It’s a rare day indeed when I agree with the Editorial Board at the Star Tribune, but when it comes to the sales tax referendum that Minnesotans are facing, I am actually in agreement with them.

The Strib is pushing a “No” vote on the referendum that would add a state sales tax, with dedicated spending to the Minnesota constitution. The logic is that it hamstrings Legislators and their role in determining taxation and spending. One point they miss is that it will be nearly impossible to remove should it pass.

A sales tax referendum whether it includes dedicated spending provisions or not, does not belong in the Constitution. As it is a sales tax, sure, it should come before the people as a whole, but not in this manner.

Also, increasing the sales tax will increase the financial burdens on the people, which is bad enough in good times, but with the current economic situation, it is unthinkable to increase taxes even more than they already have.

As this sales tax is supposed to only be in existence for 25 years, then why add it to the state constitution? This is not where it belongs, no matter if you think the funding has merits (as the Strib believes) or not.

So here I am, agreeing with the Strib that we should vote “No” on the The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

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Star Tribune Tax Amendment