The recent cuts in Kentucky's higher education budget made our list of ogre-oids a couple of shows ago. It would appear this is budget time for most states so I've been hearing more and more about harsh budget cuts by states to the services that help the poor. The consistent reaction by officials to this is, "Times are hard. What else can we do?" The answer is, "Raise taxes on wealthy people." But apparently that option is "off the table."
Here are some examples of funding cuts in state programs which have no effect on the wealthy and could be avoided if taxes were increased on the wealthy:
Cuts in public transit in Louisville. The eliminated lines are mostly in poorer areas where residents already have a hard time getting to and from work, especially late night work which is readily available to the lowest paid. "Service reductions" almost assuredly means the last bus will run at 9p.m. (
way too early) instead of 11p.m. (
still way too early).
Child welfare funding slashed in Oklahoma. First up on the chopping block: The Children. They are the most vulnerable and have no voice in politics. Fuck the little crumb snatchers.
L.A. to lay off teachers. "The
Board of Education of the Los Angeles Unified School District voted to notify 5,200 teachers and workers that they could be laid off in order to cut costs as the district grapples with a $640 million budget deficit." Please note that the wealthy's children do not attend public schools, generally.
California continues cuts for developmentally disabled. I mean, seriously. You couldn't tax some rich people to help these other people? Really?
New Jersey Transit to cut jobs and salaries. Buried in the story, this quote from Executive Director James Weinstein: “Unfortunately, fare and service changes will have to be a part of New Jersey Transit’s overall response to this financial crisis. I know this will be painful for our customers.” In other words, "We're going to stick it to the employees and customers rather than drawing on the wealth of our richest citizens."
This goes on and on. Severe cuts to higher education in almost every state, this in a nation which has pathetic high school education. If you want at least a middle class job you
have to spend a minimum of four years in college. Cuts to food stamps and medicare. Cuts to V.A. hospitals and most other services for veterans. Or, as usually happens, states have frozen hiring so the already overworked and underpaid employees dealing with public housing, homeless shelters, food aid, housing assistance, job training, etc. carry an even heavier work load with no help of the burden easing or becoming bearable. Meanwhile taxes on the wealthy and on mega-corporations (the ultra-megas) are reduced to "attract" them to the area. I say, if you're not willing to help support your community, get the fuck out of my country.
