[Winona Online Democracy] Thanks for offering this post, Paul. It challenges me to confront my own discomfort. I think it is because I don't have confidence in the State of MN to spend that voluntary check on things that are important to me. It makes me think that a portion of our state and local taxes should be open for designation to the things that are important to us, much like we can offer a portion of our tax return to support natural resources or can opt to give an additional amount for critical habitat preservation when we register our vehicles each year.
I suppose it could be an accounting nightmare (maybe Steve Hacken can comment?!), but non-profits like United Way have been doing this for years. Would it be possible for citizens to designate a portion of their tax increase to, for example, 4H, WRC, or a general fund for the county to spend as the Board sees fit? Would that make a tax increase easier to swallow if people genuinely had some input as to what non-essential services they wanted to be supported by their tax dollars? This would give more power to the people and be truly democratic. It also might mean that some folks might have to pay additional out of pocket expenses to maintain a program or service. I've already seen this happen with ECFE Programming through Community Ed. Classes that were once free to all with children birth to 5 are now charged a sliding fee based on family income and those with the means are encouraged to offer an additional gift. (I state this knowing I've been out of that loop for awhile--my youngest is almost 8! I invite any corrections to what I've stated about ECFE). Another thing that makes me uncomfortable is that I believe that many folks simply don't have a value of philanthropy and will not share their wealth or even a modest portion of their income with those less privileged unless they are taxed. It's more a "we look out for our own" attitude that is, at best, indifferent and, at worst, full of hatred and oppressive to those not fitting into social "norms" or who are different. Enough for today, Kathy Seifert ----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Double" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Online Democracy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 9:22 PM Subject: FW: [Winona] budget cuts > [Winona Online Democracy] > > Maybe those who want the signs should have them reprinted "I have sent > my check to "Happy to Pay for a Better Minnesota" P.O. Box xxxx > Somewhere, Minnesota 12345 Will you join me? > > That way others who feel moved the same way know where to send their > checks. > > Paul Double > > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On > Behalf Of Sharon Ropes > Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:02 AM > > Hi Scott, > The "Happy to Pay for a Better Minnesota" lawn signs are from an > organization at www.betterminnesota.org The closest local person to > contact > about yard signs is Marta Bollesen in Rochester. Her phone number is > 507-259-3081. > Better Minnesota is a progressive, grassroots organization promoting > healthy families, exceptional schools, strong cities, clean lakes and > thriving businesses. They support the "we're all in this together" > philosophy of taxes that Kathy, Vicki and Craig have been explaining. > You will see that the Better Minnesota homepage features a quote > from > former Minnesota Governor Elmer Anderson. The quote reads, "Taxes > are > the way people join hands to get good things done. That's the tradition > of > Minnesota." > Anderson is a revered, longtime Republican leader who recently spoke > out > against the Pawlenty "no-tax" solution for solving the budget crisis. > Sharon Erickson Ropes > > > > _______________________________________________ > This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy > All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. > No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. > To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit > http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona > Any problems or suggestions can be directed to > mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at > http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org > _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
