One argument for P stated ‘make those wanting to move here pay for the privelige’ – not sure that is real in this market – the seller will probably have to cover at least part of it to make the sale. But who cares, he or she is leaving. But what about those moving within the city (like I did once, and my wife did when we got married) when faced with a change in family size – they get dinged twice? And why tax a declining item? House sales and prices are down and falling, making it doubtful the needed return on the tax will actually happen until the economy rebounds making it not neccessary (but certainly not rescended).

I agree, taxes should be shared by everyone as the price of civilization. A sales tax, a standard parcel tax with no exceptions, something across the board. But our elected officials don’t seem to agree, or can’t make the sale strait up. So they lead by polls.

Some people say sales tax is “regressive,” falling disproportionately on the poor. I respectfully disagree. There are certain things that everyone needs to pay for: groceries, utilities, and housing. I could be wrong, but I am under the impression that these things are not subject to sales tax. Restaurant food is taxed, but presumably people who are truly impoverished are not dining out with any regularity.

Aside from those things, clothing is the only true essential that springs to mind. If someone spends $1000 a year on clothes (which seems like a lot for someone who is considered poor), they will only pay an additional $10 if sales tax is raised 1% – and I expect the amount of the sales tax increase would be less than 1%.

Anyone who can afford to buy non-essential”stuff” should be willing to contribute to paying for the services from which they benefit.

So why is everyone so afraid of increasing sales tax?