Tax cuts mean fewer basic services

Gov. Terry Branstad must be proud of his tax cuts. Have you thought what they may mean to everyday Iowans? Tax cuts mean less income for all public bodies supported by taxes, which means less ability to provide the necessary services those bodies are supposed to provide.

If you are curious as to what Iowa may look like in the future, read the Aug. 26 USA Today article regarding the state of Kansas and what Gov. Sam Brownback's tax cuts have done to basic services, to say nothing of the budget. The tax cuts also have failed to generate new economic activity which was supposed to provide new tax income.

Per USA Today, 'Brownback's critics, who include many Republicans, say the degree of the tax cuts threatens basic services, not to mention the state's bond rating and requirement to balance the budget.”

I suggest we all take a step back before Nov. 4 and consider if we want to continue down the same road Kansas is on. The trip isn't going to be pretty or pleasant.

By the way, all my real estate taxes went up this year. How about yours?

Tom Martin

Iowa City