I’m starting to come to the realization that the state GOP and governor are not willing to get rid of Video Lottery or retail taxes anytime soon. But I do think we can keep those two funding sources and restructure our tax code while being fair to all South Dakotans. That is the shit sandwhich the (rich) Republicans in our state continue to eat. That retail taxes are fair. Really? Then why do we pay a higher percentage on bread and milk then we do on recreational vehicles? How is that fair?
What would I do if I had a magic wand?
– Eliminate retail taxes on food and utilities. Raise taxes by .5% on non-essential items.
This would be basic and only include food you prepare and utilities that are essential like natural gas, electricity and water. I would not include clothing. I think of clothing as a luxury. But the only way this would be fair is if the 4.5% state tax would be across the board – ON EVERYTHING! The argument (rich) Republicans use for the retail tax is that rich people buy more stuff, okay, then you should pay the same percentage as the rest of us do. Whether it is a $5 pair of flip-flops or a $70,000 Benz SUV, you pay 4.5%.
– The state take a 75% cut of Video Lottery instead of 50%
This only makes sense. Think about it. Video Lottery is mandated by law, by our state, why shouldn’t we be taking a bigger cut? We have control of it (you and me). We own Video Lottery as citizens, not the casino owners. I think it is a sham that Casino owners take just as much as the state. $111,000 million dollars split between 20 people last year. Stupid. The people of this state need to stand up and say, “Hey, we put the money in those machines as entertainment, most of it needs to come back to us, and BTW, it needs to be used on education as promised.”
What if the casino owners protested? Who cares – they’ll find some other sham to take advantage of, but most of them will stick around, they are still making money hand over fist.
– Apply the state 4.5% retail tax to advertising.
That’s right, the dirty little secret your state doesn’t want you to know. While we find it appropriate to tax you on food and heat, we just can’t get ourselves to tax Ben’s Bargain Barn for placing an ad in your local newspaper. This is also a big sham. Start taxing advertising. NOW!
– Eliminate all FTE contracts.
This was one of Marion Rounds inventions to scratch the backs of his campaign contributors. State services have not gotten better. Why? Because their is no accountability by contractors. Hire state employees instead. Not only would it save the state millions, it would offer accountability.
– Raise Vehicle Registration fees by 50%
Everytime I hear Pierre cry we don’t have money for roads, I just shake my head. Raise fees on the same thingies that use our roads; vehicles. Duh!
Though this may not be the perfect list, it beats the Hell out of our current setup that punishes the lower to middle income people, while sheltering the rich and connected.
Let’s start taxing people fairly in SD.