Four common-sense ways to reduce the tax burden

You work hard for your money, and you deserve to keep as much of it as possible.

Too often, however, those with the authority to set budgets and levy taxes forget whose money it is they are spending. Rather than directing existing resources where they are most needed -- infrastructure, public safety, education, etc. -- elected officials spend on things that don’t meet the “necessity test.” They want to “bring home the bacon,” but, of course, the taxpayers pick up the tab for the bacon.

On top of this unlimited desire to spend, some in authority tend to hold a cavalier attitude toward the taxpayer who makes it all possible. From the president-elect’s plans to redistribute your income, to local officials’ pet projects, what’s clear to me is that the taxpayers who provide the tax money to operate government are not always treated with the respect they deserve.

Here are four common-sense steps I believe should be taken to ease the tax burden.

First, and most obviously, is the elimination of unnecessary spending. If you and I sat down together and looked over the state budget, we easily could identify common-sense ways to pare back costs. Some glaring examples are the many festivals, conferences, and other non-essential programs and services which receive state funds yet which certainly aren’t necessary functions of state government.

Secondly, we should be exploring ways to use private funds to offset the cost of government. A few years ago, an idea was floated to sell naming rights to offset construction and other costs. While this proposal met with some skepticism, I appreciated this novel idea for easing the burden on taxpayers. Whenever government officials seek sources of funding other than tax dollars, taxpayers are better off. Perhaps those who propose new spending should be required to first search for other sources of funds before turning to the taxpayers.

Thirdly, greater cooperation among federal, state, and local governments could reduce costs to the taxpayers. There are numerous examples of duplication of services, where similar programs are provided by two or more overlapping governmental sources. Towns operate parks and ball fields just down the road from similar parks and ball fields operated by local recreation districts, counties, or school districts. Citizen pressure for greater coordination among these governments would ensure a more efficient use of tax dollars.

Finally, I’d like to see a mandatory, comprehensive spending plan adopted each year, particularly at the state level. We should restructure our budget process -- agreeing on long-term spending needs and priorities, and then we should use those priorities to determine how to fund essential services and maintain public assets like highways and bridges. By setting priorities, we’ll be more likely to meet the basic needs of the citizens. Then and only then -- perhaps as part of a separate budget process -- should we decide on the funding of non-essential things like parades.

Public service is a noble calling, and should be treated as such. The power to spend other peoples’ money should not be taken lightly. The most important thing any elected official can do is fight to let you keep more of your own money.