LETTER: Vote no on Measure 15; think about the big picture

Talk about it

To the Editor:

I am writing to ask your readers to vote NO on Initiated Measure 15. This initiated measure increases the sales tax by one penny, generating approximately $180 million to be split between the K-12 schools and the Medicaid providers. One penny increase in sales tax doesn’t seem like much individually; however, the aggregate amount is huge. The most disturbing part of this initiated measure is $180 million will come out of the entire state’s economy every year, and given to only two groups. Every penny spent on sales tax is a penny taken out of the local economy. This measure also requires the state to continue funding K-12 education and Medicaid out of the state’s general fund at the current level plus giving them all of the revenue from the additional penny. This measure takes away any oversight, governing, or monitoring from those elected to make sure the state takes care of all its needs.

I am sure many citizens think they can afford one more penny. Please think about the big picture ($180 million) and the unintended consequences ($180 million out of the local economy) if Initiated Measure 15 would pass. Please vote NO on Initiated Measure 15.

Tags: election 2012, opinion, updates, letters, education, healthcare, taxes, state