Deirdre Taylor is a resident of Lewes and Newark. The following was also sent to the writer’s state representative, Frank Burns, and state senator, Dave Sokola, both D-Newark.
There is an old saying, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip.” However, the Delaware state legislature keeps trying. Raising taxes or establishing a sales tax would be the wrong way to go, period, especially after the school tax/property tax debacle this state has just handed taxpayers.
Have either of you balanced your household budget or worked in the business world and had to come in on budget or under budget? It doesn’t seem to transfer to the budget and spending for the state. From what I read, the revenue forecast increase for this year was 18%, yet the budget was raised 30%. This makes no sense in a real household budget; you would be taking out a loan or filing for bankruptcy.
I have been telling you for years that the University of Delaware has an endowment of well over $10 billion. David Roselle bragged about it when he retired, and it was in his obituary. There have been three or four university presidents since then who have added to the endowment, so it is worth even more. Yet the state of Delaware thinks it is good to give $150 million to UD every year. This is wrong on many levels. One, less than 25% of the student body is from Delaware. Two, what is UD doing to improve education in the state? I have read nothing! The university graduates teachers after they student teach in Delaware schools. Outside of that, what? Has UD tried the “Mississippi miracle” approach in Delaware schools? No! What caliber teachers are graduating? As a former employee at the assistant director level, the state is being played by the University of Delaware. I was in many meetings when John Brook bragged about how much money he was able to con out of the state for the school. It’s sad you took the bait!
Next, cancel the Legislative Hall garage and tunnel, which will save another $150 million. Legislative Hall is in Dover, not New York City. An asphalt parking lot will do just fine. This is Delaware, for God’s sake.
Next, why are all these privately owned properties in Wilmington receiving money from Delaware taxpayers? Spending $50 million on non-state-owned properties to grease the palms of donors is wrong on so many levels. Stop this now!
Democrats who have been in the governor’s office since 1992 are big spenders and believe in big government. Take care of people from cradle to grave. Delaware government needs to start living in the real world. Spend less than you take in and save for a rainy day. This used to be taught in Delaware public schools when I attended.
The legislature needs to have fiscal discipline, which will prepare the state in case there are unexpected problems that take money. Tighten your belts. Think of the state budget like it is your household budget. Raising taxes is not the answer in this climate. Citizens of Delaware are already angry over the property reassessment and are in no mind to accept higher taxes.
And, if I must say, it’s the illegal immigrants who are taking revenue from Delaware taxpayers because they receive free health care. And they do not pay taxes, so the education of their children is free. I’m sure they are on Medicaid, which the state partially funds. And, oh, yes, they have driver’s licenses, which is wrong. Do they pass a test, so we know they can read and speak English, thus read road signs?
You have a lot of housecleaning to do, and it’s the fall season so a good time to start!
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
