In fact, over the nearly two years it took to pass the measure, it had had all those things in excess.
Democrats, concerned that the GOP was achieving hogwash superiority, promptly rolled out their own cock-and-bull stories. Wick Johnson, the head of No Higher Taxes, did a radio interview recently in which he claimed the plan would result in “great tax relief.” He also said, “Everybody does enjoy lower taxes because of this.”
In reality, the promised relief most families would receive will be almost imperceptible, about three bucks a week. And 13 percent of Mainers won’t even get that. They’ll end up paying more.
When it came to the Republican claim that once this change is in place, Democrats will raise taxes, Johnson apparently wasn’t clever enough to fib. “There are many places where we should be more aggressive [in taxing],” he said.
That slip-up aside, neither party is being truthful. When all this is over — no matter who wins — you’ll end up paying about the same amount in state taxes as you do now. The only issue is how you prefer to have those funds extracted from your bank account.
If you’d rather pay through the income tax, you’ll vote “yes” for the Republicans’ People’s Veto.
If the sales tax is easier, you’ll vote “no” to preserve the Democrats’ reform plan.
If you opt for “none of the above,” you’ll catch the next bus for New Hampshire.
Before they start taxing e-mails, send your comments to me ataldiamon@herniahill.net.
