No, they should not be free. The tax and spend folks think they can just keep raising taxes and come up with all sorts of revenue forecasts based on those taxes, and that just is not always the case. So, before the Commonwealth starts to plan future revenues based on a tax, they need to be careful they do not overstate the value of the tax increase.

by that logic, we should be giving cig’s away for free. Yes, tobacco and it other products are a big industry, but it DOES harm people, we know it, they know it, yet, we still market it to people. If increased cig taxes reduces use, I am all for it - knowing that it will lead to some job loss - hopefully job loss in the healthcare arena due to less need due to cigs.

Do you recall under Clinton the luxury tax that was passed by Congress? They wanted to tax luxury “big ticket” items such as large boats, etc. What happened? People stopped buying those larger boats. So, while taxes may be needed, there comes a tipping point where people will stop buying as much if the price gets too high for them. And, that does not help the economy or tax revenues.

I would support the loss of jobs due to sales tax increased on cig’s - does anyone realize how much money we spend on healthcare related to cig’s? and while they are at it, they should ban smoking in restaurants.

As for tax increases, given that we have more liberals living here, more taxes may not be so unpopular as thought. Just look at what the State of NY is proposing to tax, and you can see why timmy does not mind tax increases.

The usual method of disciplining government workers is suspension with pay.

Someone explain to me how a 2-3% budget cut in any particular department can result in the reduction of government services. If an administrator can’t do his job with 97% of his budget he should either be fired or the department should be abolished because it is obvious the money is being wasted on what is nothing more than a government jobs program.

In the late 70s when I was in the Army we made do with some pretty severe budget restraints. It wasn’t pretty and it hurt, but we did what we had to do and were still able to get the job done.

All levels of government need to be able to do the same and should be constantly reminded that it is OUR money they are spending, not theirs.

One other thing to remember when talking about the state budget - about half of state revenues are distributed back to localities. A lot (I would guess 70%) of that money goes directly to school, police and infrastructure (paving, etc).

Not a comment or a criticism, just a data point.

“I am very concerned by the Governor’s proposal to increase taxes by $167M. Throughout this process the Governor has repeatedly promised to balance the budget through spending cuts, not tax increases; and it is very disappointing to see him renege on this promise. The people of Virginia expect their leaders to keep their word, not break their promises.

“I am also concerned that the Governor’s tax increases could have a devastating impact on tobacco industry jobs in Southside and the Richmond area. Given the overall economic slow down, these businesses are already suffering enough, and now is not the time to place additional tax burdens on their shoulders.

“I also continue to be concerned that the Governor is basing the budget on overly optimistic revenue projections in the 2009/2010 fiscal year. At a time when the economy is struggling and state tax collections are declining, the Governor continues to estimate that we will see economic growth of 4% in the upcoming fiscal year. If we fail to meet these revenue projections, we could face additional budget shortfalls next year. A more prudent course would be to assume little or no revenue growth in the upcoming fiscal year and adjust state spending accordingly.

“To prevent these dramatic shortfalls, provide more accurate revenue projections and solve these problems in the future, we need to pursue real budget reform and increased transparency in the budget process. I look forward to working with the Governor and the members of the General Assembly to address these concerns, restore fiscal integrity to the budgeting process in Richmond and adopt budget amendments that put our state back on a sound fiscal foundation.”