LETTER: Fair taxation, government aid can make life better for all

To Ozaukee Press:

A letter to the editor in the March 12 issue of Ozaukee Press posed several open-ended questions regarding funding for higher education, effectiveness of socialist policies and the need for government services. I’d like to provide some answers for the writer’s consideration.

Regarding the “fair share of taxes to be paid by the rich,” perhaps a simple percentage of income is a good starting point. Information from the Institute on Economic and Tax Policy states that in Wisconsin the effective local and state tax rate is 10.1% for the lowest income taxpayers (20% of all taxpayers) and 7.7% for the top 1%.  

To answer the writer’s question:

If the lowest income bracket can handle a 10% tax rate, shouldn’t the upper 1% be able to do likewise?

In regard to the writer’s inquiry as to where socialist policies have worked, he need look no further than the county to our south, which was run by socialist mayors for decades. Those administrations pioneered modern wastewater treatment, established a world class museum and developed a parks system that is envied by cities around the world.  

As a sidebar, these same administrations cleaned up what had become a city government rife with corruption.

Regarding providing financial assistance for college education, I suggest the writer look into the mechanics of how his Social Security will be paid for in the years to come: It will be funded by students now struggling to finance a college education.  If, through assistance and hard work, they can be successful at this, they will be paying, as high-income earners, into the Social Security system at rates far higher than those who did not benefit from a college education and are challenged to find a job that will make ends meet. Which scenario seems more fiscally sustainable?

Finally, as to examples of when large undertakings by the government have improved services, I suggest looking into the interstate road system, airports and public water supplies, just to name a few.

Joyce Harms
Port Washington