does this really comes as a surprise? government at ALL LEVELS are in financial doo; mostly due to overextending and are desparate to find sources of revenue...period.
WE, the VOTERS, are responsible! no if's and's or but's! we have allowed those we elected to step on us for years with their out of control taxation practices!
what's the answer?
i don't know...but...i think a sensible place to begin would be with limiting congress and ALL government on their ability to levy taxes, fees and surcharges...that would mean a constitutional change as well. the constitution does give congress the power to tax.
secondly: TERM LIMITS AT ALL GOVERNMENTAL LEVELS...end the reign of life long politicians/legislators.
no more than 12(?) years per lifetime in ANY ELECTED position in ANY governmental entity with the same pay and benefits as the comparable private sector position for the same number of years.
in other words, if a politician/legislator served as an administrator in county government for 12 years, he/she would get the same pay as his/her counterpart in a privately owned business and the benefits they receive at the end of 12 years would be the same as from private sector.
as it is now, they serve ONE four year term and get lifetime benefit at taxpayers expense!
in the end...once again, WE, the VOTERS have allowed "Them" to step on us...WE can change it...