Letter to the Editor: First things first
BY John Hunt, Ponca City
Monday, February 18, 2013
2/18/13 at 8:33 AM
A state income tax cut seems to be high on the agenda of our Legislature. There are other things, though, that I believe deserve attention first before we start cutting state revenue.
Many state employees have not had a raise since 2006. Real purchasing power has decreased as the cost of food and other necessities has risen. Our wonderful Capitol is in need of repair.
It reminds me of a story of a father and son. The son had a prized possession that was coveted by another boy. The father, wanting to please the other boy, gave away the possession to the other boy, promising the son that he'd replace the item. The item was never replaced and the son wondered if his dad cared more about the other kid than his own son.
Similarly, I wonder if our priorities are in order when we push for a tax cut while state employees are in financial need and the Capitol is falling apart.
Let us take care of these items to begin with. If we can afford to cut the state income tax afterward, then so be it. First things first.
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