Vote no on raising taxes

The discussion regarding the sales tax vote has failed to recognize that state government, not the local government, is ultimately in charge of sales tax revenues.

This was clearly demonstrated when local voters voted to impose a 10-year local tax for schools in 2007. The state Legislature subsequently raised the statewide imposition of the sales tax for schools and extended it an additional 12 years through the year 2029. Local voters' choices in the matter were no longer relevant. The same may be true in this case.

According to the Iowa Department of Revenue, nearly 90 percent of all Iowa jurisdictions, representing 78 percent of all Iowans, currently have the local option tax. There are discussions underway at the state level about simply raising the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent.

When debating tax policy with former state Rep. David Osterberg in 2005 on KCRG-TV9, I conceded that our tax policy should be based on the “ability to pay.” That is, that those with more should pay more.

Sales taxes do not recognize this principle. They hurt those that can least afford it. Since 1934 our state has gradually raised the sales tax. Now most Iowans pay 7 percent on purchases. This is wrong and needs to stop. Vote “no” on raising taxes on those who can least afford it.

Eric Rosenthal

Cedar Rapids