Jim Christiana – 9/27/09

This page was last updated on September 27, 2009.

Rendell wants to tax everything in sight; State Rep. Jim Christiana (R-15); Beaver County Times; September 27, 2009.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“A budget agreement has tentatively been reached which reportedly spends nearly $28 billion, yet increases several existing taxes and creates a few new ones.

“No official documents have been released.

“However, the framework provides a new 20 percent tax on small games of chance. This new tax, which would be applied to fire companies, veterans’ groups and other nonprofits that hold raffles and sell rip-off tickets, would cripple the ability of such organizations to raise money.

“Given the fact that these organizations already struggle to raise funds in a tough economy, to place a tax on their primary source of revenue is reprehensible.

“What troubles me most is the situation of fire companies. This tax may have a negative impact on public safety if the funds are not able to be raised to pay for their much-needed equipment and training.

“This budget agreement is just more proof that Gov. Ed Rendell is willing to tax anything and everything — even those organizations essential to public safety. I maintain that this is the wrong time to increase taxes or instill new ones. Government must live within its means.”

[RWC] “Government must live within its means?” In his letter entitled “Education is a top priority in budget” (9/15/09), Mr. Christiana told us he supported increased spending. In that letter Mr. Christiana didn’t tell us how he would pay for the increased spending. In this letter Mr. Christiana told us how he wouldn’t pay for increased spending, but again not how he would. Perhaps I’m missing something, but it appears Mr. Christiana is trying to tell everyone (in this case both spendthrifts and the fiscally responsible) what they want to hear, even when their positions are in opposition.

When I was working we had a rule. When criticizing a person’s proposal you couldn’t just say, “It sucks,” you also had to explain your opposition and have a valid counterproposal. It’s too bad Mr. Christiana doesn’t follow that rule.

My opinion of Mr. Christiana as a representative is getting worse with each letter.