the past decade.
Unfortunately, I'd have to say that the electorate is partly to blame for the
creation of this monster. The politicians are answering the peoples call for
"NO NEW TAXES"...so in their infinite wisdom, they simply rename a tax and call
it a fee...now everyone feels good.
Nowadays it seems that every Candidate has to make the unrealistic promise that
they'll never raise a tax, not during their current term or any in the
future...and people love to hear it.
What they should be pledging is that they won't try to BS us with fees that are
really taxes by any other measure.
I find it hard to believe people aren't more outraged at the number of fees
that are replacing traditional forms of taxation revenue. Here are just a few
examples of the most obvious.
1. Toll Roads (Transportation Infrastructure User Fee)...do you think taxes
will be reduced by this or that our transportation infrastructure will improve?
(My guess is we'll end up like illinois you'll pay the toll and the taxes and
the raods won't be any better and you'll still be stuck in traffic)
2. Public Safety Fee. (Fire, Paramedic and Police Fees) This fee is levied to
pay for basic Police, Paramedic and Fire coverage, it used to be part of the
tax you paid...now you pay the tax and the fee in most instances.
3. Health Impact Fee. (Gov. Pawlenty's Cigarette Tax). Ask someone in his
Administration how much will actually fund health programs and how much will
end up in the general fund...don't be too angry when you hear the
answer...because the Republican Leadership generously let us keep some marginal
health care coverage for vulnerable Minnesotans.
There are many other so called "fees" that impact businesses and individuals
across the nation. Our city just happens to have a current Mayor who used the
word "FEES" 18 times in his 2004 Budget Address.
Can you identify the reasons behind the rise in popularity of these fees or
offer insights into why they are still gaining popularity at least with
Politicians?