Beating The Proverbial Dead Horse.
Tonight, as I was driving home, I listened to a New Jersey – based radio talk-station. (The non-Garden Staters should know that most of our radio and TV is New York City or Philadelphia-based). Anyway, the subject was, not surprisingly, the state government shutdown.
I heard at least three people call the host and say of the Governor’s desire to raise the sales tax from 6% to 7%, in words or substance, “It’s only one percent. What’s the big deal? What’s the fuss? It’s only a penny.”
I’ve tried to make this clear at least twice before, but I’m going to try again. Pay attention.
A one percent increase would raise the sales tax from 6% to 6.01% 6.06%**, not 7%.
Let me say it again, only LOUDER this time.
A ONE PERCENT INCREASE WOULD RAISE THE SALES TAX FROM 6% TO 6.01% 6.06%**, not 7%.
Raising the sales tax from 6% to 7% constitutes an increase in the sales tax of not 1%, but 16%.
Let’s try it this way.
If you were earning $6.00 per hour, and your pay was raised to $7.00 per hour, would you say you got a 1% raise? A one percent raise would mean your new pay would be $6.06. Or, would you figure that your pay was raised by 16%?
If you want to agree with the Governor’s position, fine, but at least know what the hell you are agreeing to.
Don’t make me explain this again.
Sheesh.
**Math correction courtesy of Blanton’s and Ashton’s – Article II. Section 4. PRS regrets the error, but disagrees with the author’s downplaying of the democrats’ effort to play hide the football with taxpayers.
