???The New York State Legislature and Governor David A. Paterson have struck a deal to temporarily hike taxes on New York's biggest earners in order to combat the state's battle against the budget deficit.
???Although the plan will only last three years, it would be the largest income tax increase in recent state history. An additional $4 billion a year would be collected by adding two new brackets to the existing tax code in New York. One category would affect those earning more than $500,000 a year, while the other would affect those making more than $300,000.
???It's about time the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes, even if it is only temporary. The supposed "millionaire's tax" will benefit New York, making way for infrastructure projects and health care services.
???But this is political misdirection in its purest form.
???To the average working family, it seems that the government is closing the wealth divide. The truth is, politicians in Albany pick at everyone's pockets a little more with new taxes.
???Earlier this week, Paterson announced a 2 percent hike in every utility cost. This is a bold move by Paterson, considering that people are struggling to pay utility costs already due to rising energy costs. The additional tax may be the government's way of setting its citizens up to fail.
???To make matters worse, those in Albany have caused in-state tuition for SUNY students to jump an additional $620 a year and implemented an increase of $2,260 for out-of-state students. New York State gets to keep 90 percent of the funds this year and 80 percent next year, while the depleted difference goes back to the schools.
???Combating the deficit is important, but this is starting to become silly. While the economic crisis has put a strain on everyone, it's not like it happened yesterday. It's been going on for six months.
???Where was the planning and foresight of government?
???The government's job is to make the quality of life better for its people by providing them services, not by taxing them during extremely hard times.
???It could be said that Paterson was thrust into his position, but should citizens hold him any less accountable? No - he is a government official. Everyone has pressure and unforeseen circumstances that occur to him or her. However, they adapt and work through the problems.
???New York state residents haven't turned a blind eye. According to a Siena College poll of 626 registered voters, 78 percent give him a negative job rating. Nearly 66 percent would rather have another person in office all together.
???The current New York state government has shown little to no planning to help alleviate the current burden on its people.
???Instead, they've decided to make matters worse across the board.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
