Jump to full article: Natchez (MS) Democrat, 2008-07-14
Author: Democrat Editorial Board
Intro: Barbour vows he won’t budge; instead he has proposed a list of $375 million in cuts he plans.
So it’s a battle of cigarette taxes vs. hospital taxes.
Here’s a novel plan: do both.
If Mississippi really wants to jump ahead, let’s do both and use the “excess” money that’s created to promote healthier living programs or put in a rainy day fund for next year’s Medicaid funding battle.
Or, better yet, let’s get really crazy. If we’re really concerned about the health of residents, we need to tax the heck out of all things that are bad for citizens.
We could call it the Mississippi Morals and Health Act of 2008.
In addition to cigarette taxes, we should also tax the stew out of any alcoholic beverages sold within 30 miles of the Capitol — only levied, however, when the Legislature is in session.
Scaring elderly and poor folks by making them think their healthcare may be in jeopardy?
Why that’ll be a felony under the new law.
Come on lawmakers. We pay you to represent us, not to entertain us with squabbling.
Jump to full article » |