[Vision2020] Media Watch: Taxes

[WMSteed@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/7/03 10:05:30 AM, pcook@uidaho.edu writes:

<< On 7 Feb 2003 at 9:53, Mushroom wrote:

> Wouldn't filling those positions produce a lot more revenue
> than it would cost to fill them? If you think the answer is
> yes, you're realistic. But likely to be depressed by
> following what goes on in Boise.

You may find the Idaho section of this report interesting. It seems to 
support your assertion.

The Way We Tax: A 50 State Report

http://www.governing.com/gpp/2003/gp3intro.htm >>


Interestingly the above report also contains the following comments:

"For years, Idaho legislators were stingy when it came to funding the tax 
collection process, even though they knew that scofflaws were costing the 
state millions of dollars. But, when the Tax Commission guaranteed in 1999 
that it could find $13 million more a year in exchange for more resources, 
the legislature came through.

Every year since, the Tax Commission has surpassed its goal, bringing in a 
high of $21 million in FY2002. All told, says Dewey Hammond, the Tax 
Commission chairman, an extra $10 million in compliance efforts since 1999 
has generated about $70 million in additional revenue. “Bringing non-filers 
into the system is the real focal point,” Hammond says."

I would contend that the State, while admittedly not doing everything it can, 
isn't totally ignoring the situation (due to non-payroll worker influences) 
as Don's comments suggest.

Walter Steed