Why I Love Public Policy
One of my brothers is 18 months older than I am. Before a time I can even remember, we developed a quick and decisive method for resolving disputes. Though the particular nuances are somewhat complex, I think you'd grasp the gist, if I referred to the problem-solving exercise as a "fist fight."
Public policy demands something a touch more refined. But, it is important to understand and appreciate that the passions involved in public policy are every bit as great as those involved in other disputes. Where the stakes are high, in any setting, people care a great deal. It is a marvel to me that we have developed a system where those passions can be channeled and used in a peaceful, societally-beneficial manner.
I moved that Utah adopt a flat income tax. The particulars are described in the UPDATE to my 5/26/05 entry. Already there is serious opposition. What do I think of that? I think it's great -- and I hope a lot of others come forward to support or oppose the idea. In making the motion, I stated that, though it might appear too early in the process to make such a proposal, legislative process works best when an idea is on the table. That way, people can circle the idea and applaud it or devour it.
Where will we end up? I don't know. Maybe we impose a flat tax on "adjusted gross income;" maybe on "taxable income" after certain deductions and exemptions are factored in; or maybe we leave the structure mainly as is. My big goal is to get a tax cut. Beyond that, the manner by which we assess the taxes needs to be fair and as simple as possible; but this clearly is an issue with many acceptable solutions and an issue that will benefit from the input of many voices and perspectives. Bring on the debate.
I recently read that republics should be loud places, and I like what that suggests. Healthy republics receive a lot of input and create policy that is responsive to that input. People are now talking to their elected leaders about the tax system they want. Are you? If not, should we assume you will be happy with whatever system we give you?
UPDATE (6/10/05): The D-News's Bob Bernick writes,
If you are feeling down, thinking you are not appreciated at work, or your suggestions on improving the entity you labor for go unrewarded, be glad you aren't a member of the Utah Legislature's Tax Reform Task Force.
These 15 folks have this in store: They will work long hours over this summer and the fall trying to figure out the best way to reform Utah's long-standing — some would say antiquated — tax system. And when they finish it all, most likely they'll just see criticism and complaints; the whole Legislature is going to tear it apart. In the end, they'll even see their work product kicked around in newspapers and on TV.
Public policy demands something a touch more refined. But, it is important to understand and appreciate that the passions involved in public policy are every bit as great as those involved in other disputes. Where the stakes are high, in any setting, people care a great deal. It is a marvel to me that we have developed a system where those passions can be channeled and used in a peaceful, societally-beneficial manner.
I moved that Utah adopt a flat income tax. The particulars are described in the UPDATE to my 5/26/05 entry. Already there is serious opposition. What do I think of that? I think it's great -- and I hope a lot of others come forward to support or oppose the idea. In making the motion, I stated that, though it might appear too early in the process to make such a proposal, legislative process works best when an idea is on the table. That way, people can circle the idea and applaud it or devour it.
Where will we end up? I don't know. Maybe we impose a flat tax on "adjusted gross income;" maybe on "taxable income" after certain deductions and exemptions are factored in; or maybe we leave the structure mainly as is. My big goal is to get a tax cut. Beyond that, the manner by which we assess the taxes needs to be fair and as simple as possible; but this clearly is an issue with many acceptable solutions and an issue that will benefit from the input of many voices and perspectives. Bring on the debate.
I recently read that republics should be loud places, and I like what that suggests. Healthy republics receive a lot of input and create policy that is responsive to that input. People are now talking to their elected leaders about the tax system they want. Are you? If not, should we assume you will be happy with whatever system we give you?
UPDATE (6/10/05): The D-News's Bob Bernick writes,
If you are feeling down, thinking you are not appreciated at work, or your suggestions on improving the entity you labor for go unrewarded, be glad you aren't a member of the Utah Legislature's Tax Reform Task Force.
These 15 folks have this in store: They will work long hours over this summer and the fall trying to figure out the best way to reform Utah's long-standing — some would say antiquated — tax system. And when they finish it all, most likely they'll just see criticism and complaints; the whole Legislature is going to tear it apart. In the end, they'll even see their work product kicked around in newspapers and on TV.
posted by steve u. at 6/05/2005
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3 Comments:
1 Thanks for introducing the flat rate concept for UT income tax. I'm fully supportive if the need for a tax cut, perhaps a better way is an increased comsumption tax and eliminate the income tax. a Less bureaucracy/bookwork
b Taxes everyone "equally"
c Taxes tourists and visitors
d Doen't penalize productivity
e Can be avoided by reducing spending
2 As all Income Tax goes to education, a reduction in ed. cost would decrease the need for ed. funds. In particular, Utah now educates 20,000 (?) children of illegal aliens, at $5,000 each that's $100,000,000 per year. (Not including Instate Tuition benefit) 3 Perhaps a Legislative Audit of the cost of illegal aliens to the taxpayers and action to encourage them to return home is in order.
Robert,
Not that I disagree with your comments I just wonder what the cost of auditing and "encourging" the aliens to return home would be. If it is really 20,000 I would bet it's gonna cost more to send them home than to let stay and teach them.
Salem,
An audit of the costs, similar to the one finding that 95,000 illegal aliens have Utah Drivers' License, would not be too costly to accomplish and it would provide the legislature with necessary information to make wise decision on minimizing the benefits.
I agree it would be impractical to pay to send them home, but enforcement of current employment rules would discourage many and :encourage: them to return to their respective homeland.
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