Dear sir:
During the past week, federal and provincial finance ministers have been meeting to make suggestions on what to do with the projected surplus in the federal budget.
It appears that most would like to see the income tax reduced.
None of us enjoy paying taxes but we know that the services provided must be paid for. Income tax is a very fair tax as it is geared to income. I was always happy to know that my income was high enough that I had to pay.
Our taxes now pay for health insurance. I was shocked at the cost of this in Minnesota. When added to their taxes, it makes our taxes look much better.
Those of us who are below a certain level of income do not pay income tax. But these unfortunate people do have to pay other forms of taxes. For them, the worst tax is the sales tax.
If, indeed, we do have a surplus, we should pay off some of our huge national debt. Then to be fair to the poor, as well as the rich perhaps, we should reduce the federal and provincial sales taxes. It would increase the purchasing power of the dollar–and benefit all.
It would be a great way for Paul Martin to give us all a Christmas present.
I hope everyone enjoys a happy holiday, and that the next century is better than the last.
Yours truly,
Ron Helliar
Fort Frances
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
