Death and Taxes

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There was a measure to allow property insurance companies to raise rates by 10 percent that passed in the Fl Senate, 72-44. In the past, Charlie Crist has said that he would veto any measure to raise insurance rates. If he doesn't, he is toast. He has also said that he is against any tax increases. He now has 15 days to either sign the Bill or let it die.

Bill Newton, executive director of the Florida Consumer Action Network says that the bill would do more harm than good. "I just don’t see anything here that’s worth it for consumers," he wrote on the FCAN blog. "There’s lots of gifts for insurers, who are back to making excellent profits."

Being taxed to death is no joke. As I was reading about taxes, Charlie1Horse posted the following on what we already pay:

"Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges, IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax (In some states)
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, (before the 16th Amendment!) and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids."

Death and taxes. Now if you consider all of the taxes and fees we had adjusted upward last year in Lake Worth with the Recreation Department and Joe Kroll dreaming up all sorts of new ones and the City Commission agreeing that "yes, raising fees and taxes is a great idea," (well they DID agree to all tax increases proposed by Staff last year) what do you think will happen this year, a year where we are even in worse shape? Dread to think about it? Don't blame ya.

We know that they will raise the cost to use our pool to $250 a year and $5 daily admission with no membership because the Commission was totally silent when it was presented. What else is on their plate for us to consume? We have a power cost adjustment charge, conservation surcharge, public service tax and gross receipts tax on our Utility bill. As a reminder as to what is happening with our Utility rates, click HERE. Taxes are endless; there are many more and too numerous to mention. Instead of reigning in expenses, the City Commission continues to vote on $32,000 membership fees to the FMEA, just another example of waste.

Haven't you had about enough? The Financial Advisory Board is our only hope (if the Commission takes its advice) and will look for ways to cut the fat instead of raising taxes and fees for residents of Lake Worth. At least I think that's the goal.

Their meeting is Wednesday at 5:30pm.