States look to fees, fines to solve fiscal woes

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BROKEN_BUDGETS_FEES_AND_FINES_GLANCE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-07-23-08-01-24

States and cities across the nation are raising fees to bring in new money for governments reeling from cuts and revenue shortfalls. Some examples:

California: Increased vehicle registration fees.

Connecticut: New sales taxes on yoga classes, pet grooming, manicures and many other services.

Georgia: New fees on day care licenses, fireworks permits, traveling circuses and many more items.

[DainBramaged]

1. Hidden taxes, take that Boner

don't hear him bitchin about that.

[kelly1mm]

12. Boner does not have control over State taxes/fees/fines. Additionally

those are mostly regressive taxes/fees/fines anyway. For example, what effect does a car registration fee rise from $150 per year to $300 per year have on a millionaire? On a $100k per year earner? On a $50k per year family of 4? On a $25k per year single parent?

[mmonk]

2. Yes, cuts lead to regressive forms of taxation.

[myrna minx]

3. That's what Timmy the tool Pawlenty did to Minnesota and it's been

disastrous.

[xchrom]

4. Fire fee a solution for strapped Western states

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BROKEN_BUDGETS_WILDFIRE_FEE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tbo%2Fap%2Fusnews+%28AP+Top+U.S.+News%29

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The wildfire season in California has been tame so far, but that isn't stopping lawmakers from trying to make sure the cash-strapped state has enough money to fight future fires.

They already have a solution: charge an annual firefighting fee to people who live in or near forests.

Neighboring states have been using similar fees for years. As more people move closer to forests and wildfires become more costly, a fee may prove more attractive to legislators when the alternative is to cut programs elsewhere in the budget.

Critics of the California fee call it unfair, saying rural residents already pay taxes to the state and should expect basic services in times of emergency. Supporters disagree, saying that people who live in fire-prone areas should pay for their own protection.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. The U.S. needs to increase the taxes of the rich & corporations

HIGH tariffs and duties need to be charged of any products manufactured outside the U.S. I don't care a rat's ass who is not happy with this. It needs to be done. The U.S. govt cannot run and provide the necessary things without money. Time to stop giving the rich, corporations, and companies manufacturing outside the U.S. a free ride.

[MadHound]

6. Not to mention the fact that speeding tickets, etc., are being used for revenue enhancement as well.

I've noticed an uptick in the number of cops not just patrolling, but also pulling over people. More tickets, more revenue.

[SoCalDem]

9. I got tagged $170.00 for no seatbelt.. IN my DRIVEWAY

All over town, there are cops in pairs..ticketing for anything they can find..

I am kicking myself for not putting the damned thing on.. I did my civic duty & "supported" my city:(

[iwishiwas]

7. the earned income credit was cut in half by Walker, a repug. And he gave corporations

tax breaks. yes, and we--the progressives can do nothing about it. We need to win 3 net seats to put a break on walker with the recalls.

[marmar]

8. Instead of taxing corporations and the wealthy like they should be taxed.

Makes you want to scream.

[judgegblue]

10. toll bridges operated by private companies

The repubs and teabaggers don't care if the working class has to pay more out of pocket for basic services by increased fees and license charges. They refuse to accept that government provides services for the common good. Some have suggested having private ownership of bridges and toll roads. I'm sure investors would'nt be primarily concerned with turning a profit on a public service.

[Tippy]

11. We know several States are getting their talking points from ALEC

ALEC is big on privatizing....Just look at what privatized prisons have done...over night they are making millions. The more people they lock up the more they make. Now many industries aee using prison labor the the delight of corporaitons looking to make even more profit...why build factories and pay decent wages if you can pay pennies to use prison labor...Want proof just look at your local courts, tax payers will soon be building more to house these prisoners....

[Stinky The Clown]

13. Those sorts of things tend to be very regressive in their impact.

Look, for example, at the Connecticut list. Generally speaking, those fees impact mom and pop businesses. Where are the road fees for (I am making this up, just as an example) limousine usage?

Vehicle registration is another one. That hurts MUCH more if you're poor. How about, if ya gotta, raising the fees just in big fleet owners?

[Lorien]

14. In other words: new taxes that target the poor who will be harmed by them

And truly small businesses, but not big corporations and the rich.