Gov. Rendell's income tax plan is laughable

In the June 16 article "Rendell: Raise Income Tax," the Post-Gazette reports that Gov. Ed Rendell would like to raise $1.5 billion in new income taxes to cover the state budget deficit. He promises that, as with other times in Pennsylvania history, the tax increase will remain in place, this time for three years, then revert back to the original rate.

After my laughter subsided over the "Trust me, I'm from the government" tone of the governor's premise, I realized the real genius in the plan.

I now realize that based on this example, if I mismanage my personal finances, I can ask my employer for a raise that lasts three years then goes away to make up for my deficit spending. Or maybe I can simply tell my mortgage company that for the next three years I am not going to pay the full mortgage to ensure my checkbook balances each month. I'm sure they would understand, right?

Mr. Rendell, if your budget is off by $1.5 billion, reduce your spending. You can not tell me with a straight face that there is not an opportunity to reduce duplicative wasteful spending in the state.

If you can't do it, then give me your job for three years and I will. I promise to give it right back. Honest!

CONOR TOBIN
Upper St. Clair