The World Around You

I was thinking some more about the strongest arguments to support what Governor Riley has proposed and I think I have hit on it. Your taxes are going to go up one way or the other. If it’s not this package, the Legislature will still be forced to take action to make up the $600 million shortfall. Voting against the comprehensive package does not mean that we will not pay more in taxes. It means that we will be faced with massive sales taxes or other tax increases that the state can change without voter approval.

The choice should be simple. I hope the people get the chance to make the choice.

One of my public policy passions is smoking and the dangers of tobacco use, especially by youth. I applaud the unanimous vote by the World Health Organization to approve a worldwide anti-smoking treaty. This is a historic action, and I’m proud that the United States was able to support it in the end. I am concerned by the provisions that have watered down the treaty over the last few months, but nevertheless the treaty is a strong statement to the tobacco companies that the tide has turned.