Task Forces
House leadership earlier took the position that no new task forces should be created this year (though one or two existing task forces will be reauthorized/modified). We question the value of task forces, figuring it might be best simply to run issues through existing standing committees, instead of spending extra time and money on task forces. Today provided some good evidence that this is a sound decision.
The Tax Reform Task Force spent a lot of the public's time and money this past year discussing tax issues. Except for 2 House members, the task force agreed that the food tax should be repealed. Today, the Senate informed the Speaker and the Governor that it had no interest in further pursuing repeal of the food tax. No Senate committee hearing, no floor discussion, they simply don't want to take up the issue. That, of course, is the process. But, if there never was any support in the Senate for repealing the food tax, it would have been nice to know that months ago, instead of hearing there was support when, obviously, there was not.
After all is said and done with the session, it will be interesting to see if the tax reform task force gives the citizens anything other than an interesting sideshow. With a week and a half to go, it's not looking good. The Senate has sent over bills that would provide tax relief for telecommunications companies, oil and gas companies, and mining companies. And nothing for individuals. My strong guess is that the House is not willing to cut taxes for businesses and do nothing for individuals.
The Tax Reform Task Force spent a lot of the public's time and money this past year discussing tax issues. Except for 2 House members, the task force agreed that the food tax should be repealed. Today, the Senate informed the Speaker and the Governor that it had no interest in further pursuing repeal of the food tax. No Senate committee hearing, no floor discussion, they simply don't want to take up the issue. That, of course, is the process. But, if there never was any support in the Senate for repealing the food tax, it would have been nice to know that months ago, instead of hearing there was support when, obviously, there was not.
After all is said and done with the session, it will be interesting to see if the tax reform task force gives the citizens anything other than an interesting sideshow. With a week and a half to go, it's not looking good. The Senate has sent over bills that would provide tax relief for telecommunications companies, oil and gas companies, and mining companies. And nothing for individuals. My strong guess is that the House is not willing to cut taxes for businesses and do nothing for individuals.
posted by steve u. at 2/16/2006
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2 Comments:
Way to call the Senate out on its lack of courage.
Frankly, I am tired of politicians giving verbal support to populist issues only to back down when there is a call for a vote. If you don't want the food tax repealed; fine, just let that be known and make your case for why it shouldn't happen. By throwing your thoughts and ideas into the market place of ideas, there is a far greater likelihood that the best policy measures will carry the day. If, however, you are afraid your ideas will not survive scrutiny, and therefore hide behind on alternative you don't believe in, you should probably reconsider your position.
In any event, show some spine and let your intentions be known.
Steve,
Relative to your comments on task forces, it'll be interesting to see what comes out of the Task Force on Private Health Care Systems (IHC). I would guess the Senate will want to "hand it to" IHC while the House will be much more sympathetic, honest, realistic, intelligent, etc. and come up with something that makes sense. In other words, no pre-conceived notions but honest study on the part of the House.
This appears to be a common problem with the Senate. Thanks to you and your House colleagues for your diligence, hard work, and, I believe, honesty.
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