Published: March 12, 2008 03:48 pm            

In Your View — 03/13/08

Beshear’s tax idea could well backfire

With the economy likely heading into a recession and taxpayers already facing soaring prices on gas and food, a tax increase of any kind is the last thing Kentuckians need right now. In fact, that is essentially what Gov. Steve Beshear said previously about raising the cigarette tax — until he announced he supports a 70-cent-per-pack cigarette tax hike.

Governor Beshear and Kentucky’s legislators need to look beyond the state’s borders to understand that increasing the cigarette tax will likely result in killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. Five states that raised cigarette taxes have either collected less tax revenue than before the latest increase or collected far less than expected.

Raising the Kentucky tax by 70 cents is the kind of over-taxation that could backfire on the state. Tennessee recently reported that cigarette tax collections for the current fiscal year are $47 million less than expected after Tennessee lawmakers raised the cigarette tax by 42 cents a pack to 62 cents per pack. How can Governor Beshear support a tax increase when neighboring Tennessee is proof positive that a tax hike on cigarettes will not result in raising the kind of money needed to help balance Kentucky’s budget?

Kentucky collected over $404 million in 2007 alone from cigarette taxes and the annual tobacco lawsuit settlement payments. Kentucky should spend the $404 million a year it is already collecting from smokers more wisely before dipping into taxpayers’ pockets yet again.

Governor Beshear and legislative leaders need to accept the reality of the situation and step back from the claim that raising cigarette taxes will help solve Kentucky’s budget deficit. Governor Beshear needs to be a man of his word and not support a tax increase on cigarettes.

Thomas A. Briant, Executive director, National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Minneapolis, Minn.



March for Babies will be April 26

I am a member of a special team of people who care about the health of America’s babies. That’s why we have banded together to raise money and participate in the March of Dimes March for Babies. I’m asking you to join our fundraising efforts by registering a team to participate. Family teams and business-sponsored teams are needed. You can register online at www.marchforbabies.org or by calling 1-866-MOD-WALK.

The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the number one cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through March for Babies, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. There’s nothing more important than to give every baby a healthy start in life.

Ashland’s March for Babies will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Central Park with opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. and the march starting at 9 a.m. There will be lots of family fun at the park after your return from your walk.

We need your help. Join us in the fight against prematurity. With your support, there’s hope.

Chrisha Spears, Ashland



First, judge McCain by his character

Robert Timberg, a decorated Marine veteran of Vietnam, wrote a book entitled “The Nightingale Song” in which he details the military, professional and political careers of five contemporary Naval Academy graduates, with John McCain being one. The book is a must read for anyone that wants to understand the Vietnam era and the profound effect President Ronald Reagan had on veterans like McCain.

Ronald Reagan awakened in our nation a sense of patriotism and pride. McCain heard Reagan’s voice and responded with an even higher sense of duty. He was elected to Congress and continued the high road of public service instilled in him by his grandfather and father, both four-star Navy admirals.

His sense of duty caused him to reject the offer of his North Vietnamese captors to be released early, stating that the code of conduct required that all POWs be released in the order of capture. McCain's refusal caused a period of extreme cruelty directed upon McCain.

In all the debates about supporting our military, McCain is one of the few who has a child in harm's way.

I support John McCain for president. I judge a person's qualifications based upon character. McCain is not perfect; he has made mistakes. If you read his book, “Faith of My Fathers,” you will find a person who has been willing to wear the uniform and stand his watch. You will find a risk-taker whose character has been sharpened and honed in the manner of the Old Testament Proverb: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

I encourage all to judge his character first, then view his positions on the issues.

Ed Burtner, mayor, Winchester



Retiree group backs repair bill

RetireSafe has declared its support of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) and strongly urges Congress to pass the legislation on behalf of older Americans throughout the country.

Many older Americans live on a fixed income and right to repair ensures that they can continue to enjoy the affordability and convenience of having their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice.

As vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated, access to accurate repair information is essential to the safety and well being of all motorists. The Right to Repair Act would ensure that car owners and their trusted repair shops have the same access to safety alerts and repair information as the franchised new car dealer network.

Many older Americans rely on trusted neighborhood repair shops to keep their vehicles serviced, repaired and operating safely. Their independence may be severely compromised if they are forced back to the dealer for service and repairs, particularly if there is no dealership in their area.

Please visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of your congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act by adding their names to the growing list of co-sponsors.

Michelle Plasari, president, RetireSafe, mplasari@retiresafe.org

        

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