THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 20, 1995 TAG: 9502170012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
My husband and I lived in California until just over two years ago. When we retired to Virginia, we were astounded at how low our taxes were in comparison with our taxes in California.
I cannot understand why Governor Allen seeks to cut taxes in a state whose taxes already are so low, and to cut programs from a state (and in turn local) bureaucracy that operates so efficiently.
I voted for Governor Allen because I did not like some of the liberal social policies professed by Mary Sue Terry; I did not vote for him to eviscerate the responsible fiscal policies of his predecessors.
Particularly disturbing are the programs Governor Allen wants to cut:
If he wants to reduce the welfare rolls, he must assure all Virginians a decent education. Thus, cuts that would affect local schools, and his proposed reduction in aid to higher education, undermine his eventual goal. I find especially puzzling his vendetta against Norfolk State and Virginia Union, universities whose mission includes education of those whose family background and school environment did not prepare them adequately for a well-paying job.
A reduction in the business tax would cripple localities in their ability to deliver basic services, such as trash collection and public libraries, and it would lead to an increase in local taxes.
The proposal to cut funding for public broadcasting hurts everyone in this community, particularly young preschoolers enrolled in the Sesame Street learning program in day-care centers.
I hope Governor Allen understands that if he and the Republicans in the General Assembly pursue misguided policies like those they are proposing, loyal Republicans like my husband and me may have to change our votes in the next General Assembly election.
SHARON V. SHAW
Virginia Beach, Feb. 10, 1995 by CNB