THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603140005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Virginia is one of the lowest tax states in the country, yet Virginians constantly complain that we pay too much in taxes.
Let us set the record straight. Of the 50 states, Virginia receives among the best tax returns from the federal government. Of the 11 original states of the South, Virginia ranks second in receiving more money than it sends out in taxes. Specifically, for every tax dollar we send to Washington, D.C., we receive $1.36. Point: We are receiving more, not less. These tax dollars pay for the services that we all want and demand.
In too many cases, politics is about perceptions rather than reality. Perhaps it is time to focus on reality. It is so easy to complain about taxing and spending. Virginia is doing quite well on the tax issue, and politicians and fellow citizens who say the opposite are, unfortunately, self-serving, selfish and doing a disservice to our commonwealth.
GLEN SUSSMAN
Norfolk, Feb. 18, 1996 by CNB