April 28, 2009

According to what logic does the Tucson City Council propose to increase revenues by taxing those made most vulnerable by this recession?

Tucson City Council, shame on you for trying to balance your budget by making renters pay a sales tax!

I'm sure 2 percent does not sound like much to you, but for those who have lost their jobs, are enduring forced furloughs or are unable to find work here, that is a huge hardship, especially since such people disproportionately rent.

As an employee in the social services, every day I interact with hardworking people who cannot even afford to put gas in their car to job search. To ask such individuals to shoulder this recession's burden is irresponsible and morally reprehensible.

My own paycheck-to-paycheck budget cannot support your regressive tax system. So while it may help your budget, it will destroy mine.

So I ask those on Tucson City Council: How many of you rent?

I come from another state that has higher taxes on tourism: hotels, car rentals, restaurant food, alcohol and entertainment all have different sales tax rates.

Perhaps utilizing these sources to balance the budget is more appropriate and likely for long-term stability than taxing those who have little political say because they have to meet daily needs like getting jobs.

Please rethink the rent tax; it's a bad idea. I vote!