January 7, 2010

The Cincinnati Enquirer

Dear Editor:

Kudos to State Representative Joe Uecker for co-sponsoring HB 534 to phase out the Ohio State Income Tax over 10 years. He understands the inverse relationship between taxes and prosperity. Higher taxes drive businesses out of Ohio. Lower taxes create the economic incentive for businesses to locate and expand, therefore creating jobs and wealth.

Conversely, I’m very disappointed by the retroactive income tax hike that was recently signed into law by Governor Strickland. This is tantamount to a breach of contract between state government and the taxpayers. Four years ago, HB 66 hiked the sales tax in exchange for an income tax reduction over five years. And now, Governor Strickland has chosen to violate that agreement and the public trust. It is clear that when push comes to shove, the taxpayers get screwed.

The budget crisis never had to be a choice between stabbing the taxpayers in the back and further underfunding the schools. The schools need to be fully funded. State government could help the schools by eliminating unfunded mandates. One billion dollars can be saved annually by restructuring and consolidating state government (HB 25). Unfortunately, Governor Strickland did what was easy rather than what was best.

John Becker

Eastgate