[Winona Online Democracy]
Rather than create a accounting burden and cost for government why not
encourage those who have a interest to give direct to these agencies. This
would eliminate the governments cost. Therefore all the money would go to
the area of need.
Raising taxes takes away money that could be given in philanthropy.
People will give to things they see as efficient and worthwhile. Winona
foundation Hiawatha education, HBC and individuals who have contributed to
many things in Winona. Plus Galewski's editorial of yesterday that talks
about Ben Miller who gave of his time and wealth. Many people in Winona
are very philanthropic with their time, which could substitute for money.
Tom O. Severson
265 E. Mark
Box 736
Winona, Mn. 55987
507 452 3402 ext 214 Direct
452 4743 Office Switchboard
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Behalf Of Kathy Seifert
Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 11:05 PM
To: Online Democracy
Subject: Re: [Winona] budget cuts
[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
>
>
>
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_______________________________________________
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