Letter: Jindal tax plan would hurt most

As I sit here and watch the song-and-dance concerning Gov. Bobby Jindal’s tax plan, only one thing matters: The vast majority of Louisiana citizen’s receive money back when they file their state income tax returns. Under Jindal’s “new plan” they would still pay taxes but get “nothing” back.

Common sense says the only portion of the population that would benefit from this is the wealthy. Now, unless they buy something, they would pay no taxes. And don’t think for one second that essential services won’t be taxed also.

In checking on the states that have Jindal’s plan, the property taxes seem to be much higher than here. A friend in Texas that has basically the same size situation as I have pays three times what I pay.

Jerry Broussard

radiology technologist

St. Amant

Comments

1) Comment by Attila - 08/03/2013

I know that it is almost impossible for the liberal mind to grasp the fact that almost 60 million people voted for Romney. Even though libs are masters of deceit even they cannot possibly believe that ALL of those people are rich, or even moderately rich. Get a grip "progressives". Y'all make the kool aid drinking at Jonestown look like a practice run.

2) Comment by Bighug - 08/03/2013

prbeav, he had better not let his slip show in those civilized places in our state where it could result in a jail sentence for him. Yes, it is illegal in several towns in Louisiana to allow undergarments to be seen. Is it any wonder that the rest of the US looks on Louisiana as one big joke? Jindal fits the role of jester just fine.

3) Comment by prbeav - 07/03/2013

It seems to me Jindal is reading and following Machiavellie's THE PRINCE, 1515.>>>>The prince "ought to hold of little account a reputation for being mean, for it is one of those vices which will enable him to govern.">>>>"He who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived.">>>>"It is unnecessary for a prince to have . . . good qualities . . . but it is very necessary to appear to have them. And . . . to have them and always to observe them is injurious, and . . . to appear to have them is useful; to appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious, upright, and to be so, but with a mind so framed that should you require not to be so, you may be able and know how to change to the opposite.">>>>>A "prince ought to take care that . . . he may appear to him who sees and hears him altogether merciful, faithful, humane, upright, and religious.">>>>"Ecclisiastical principalities . . .are sustained by the ordinances of religion, which are so all-powerful, and of such a character that the principalities may be held no matter how their princes behave.">>>>Jindal has let his slip show a few times, as the people of Louisiana know.

4) Comment by postscript56 - 07/03/2013

That class envy argument is so old it's useless. It has always been a tool for silencing opposition to policies that favor the wealthy. It goes hand-in-hand with today's arguments that taxes "punish" the successful, that a consumption tax is "fairer" than an income tax. That argument has no impact on me at all. I have always - from my earliest memories of caring about these things - believed that those who have benefited the most from our way of life have the greatest obligation. That's even a scriptural principle - to whom much has been given, much will be asked. Believing that doesn't mean I am envious of someone's wealth. Nor does it make me envious to point out when that principle has been or is being ignored.

5) Comment by DMJ - 07/03/2013

"If a person has 1M in discretionary income simple math tells me that he would pay more in additional sales tax than someone with 20K of discretionary income." Please, go tell the rest of the Republicans. A lot of them haven't grasped that simple math concept you're talking about.

6) Comment by Attila - 07/03/2013

Common sense? Maybe. Flawed logic? Maybe. Class envy? Definitely! While I do not endorse Lil Booby's tax plan it is not because the wealthy would not pay more. If a person has 1M is discretionary income simple math tells me that he would pay more in additional sales tax than someone with 20K of discretionary income. I guess the bottom line is if you don't want to pay the tax invest the money. If you want to spend it pay the tax. That being said, I am reasonably certain that ALL of us will be paying MORE.

7) Comment by DMJ - 07/03/2013

"Common sense says the only portion of the population that would benefit from this is the wealthy." Right you are, Jerry. Unfortunately, the "common sense" aspect is where most people fall short.

8) Comment by swinham - 07/03/2013

Let's assume, though we've seen no actual plan, sales taxes will be part of Jindal's tax reform. As Jackie Mason said, "I've got enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I [want to] buy something."

9) Comment by SuzanneMS - 07/03/2013

You can also bet that property taxes won't be raised, because that would hit the wealthy where they live (literally). Or if they are, they'll be capped at some level that insures that the middle-class pay on 100% of the value of their property, while the wealthy get away with paying on a much lower percentage.

10) Comment by postscript56 - 07/03/2013

The hair on the heads of wealthy people grows faster than the hair on the heads of poorer people. So when we start taxing hair cuts we'll still be able to maintain the same contribution ratio.

11) Comment by Bighug - 07/03/2013

Simply put, Jindal's plan is to save money for the rich and stick it to the poor and middle-class. He knows where his donations are coming from.

12) Comment by tradewinns - 06/03/2013

you're right. the rich can only spend so much. they already own most if not all of what they use. they do not buy a new car every year, a new boat every year, a new plane every year, etc. etc. the average joe in La. spends everything he/she brings home. and when the rich do spend money on say clothes, they do not run to penneys, sears, macy's etc. they fly to new york (or worse call and order over the phone-measurements on file) have them made and shipped here. no sales tax collected. the Middle Class done over again.