People are hurting, but Kaine, other Democrats want to up their taxes

May 17, 2008 12:15 am

Congratulations, Virginians. We've now become a state where the prevailing policies are tax and spend, tax and spend.

For the last six years, we've seen an enormous increase in the state budget, rising from about $66 billion (for two years) to $80 billion (for two years.)

We've had two Democratic governors, both presiding over huge tax increases. Now, Gov. Kaine wants another $1 billion a year for roads; increased vehicle-registration fees; increased sales taxes on home sales; a user tax increase from 3 percent to 4 percent; and extra sales taxes in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Both the Warner and Kaine administrations have been "tax and spend."

These tax increases come at a time when our homes have dropped 20 percent or more in value, oil is more than $120 a barrel, the dollar has dropped to near all-time lows, and our deficits are increasing.

Wages have not kept up with real inflation, savings are at an all-time low, and people are struggling. People are hurting financially, and our legislators want more huge tax increases.

It is time to tell them "No!" Our pockets are not open for them to spend with no regard for fiscal responsibility.

And in the next election, remember the Democrats for what they are: tax and spenders. Same as they've always been.

Michael Crum

Spotsylvania