{Susan Hauer, Library System Administrator}

 

In the June 2010 of the AARP Bulletin, (yes, I’m over 50 and proud of it) the Property Tax REVOLT article caught my attention. So I turned to page 18 in the hard copy which came by snail mail to my home, (I told you I was over 50) and read about senior homeowners all over the nation who are aghast at the increase of their property taxes.
One text box that was pulled out on the center page spread admitted “Like it or not, local governments depend on property taxes to pay for schools, police, garbage trucks, libraries, pothole repair crews and other services and essentials of civic life.” 

 

Well libraries came in after garbage, but at least we were on the list and won recognition as an essential civic service.

 

In the same AARP bulletin issue there was an article about saying Goodbye to the IRS.
The premise here again was tax relief; this time income tax rather than property tax.
Because AARP is a strong advocacy organ for older Americans, no cuts to social security or Medicare benefits for retirees would be suggested.  In acknowledging that our nation’s taxes will surely have to rise to have a tax system that supports economic growth, not one that stymies it-a system that fosters investment in America and is fair and simple is the prescription. Four examples were listed.  Enact a VAT tax (value-added a tax ) on the sales of goods and services; Exempt families earning $100,000 from any income tax payments; lower the corporate income tax rate; eliminate the earned income tax credit and provide relief from the VAT burden and payroll tax offsets.

 

Here again are alternatives in various kinds of taxes.  The issue is not whether to tax or not to tax for essential community services like libraries; rather the issue is what is the most fair and how to align resources with growth and development.  As a County Leader said at a recent Annual Meeting of a local organization, “People don’t want change, but they want things to be better.”

 

State funding for public library services was cut again; last year it was 20.1%, this year 9.1%. for a total loss to Lancaster County of over $700,000 in state aid.  The economy not withstanding, the Governor and the Legislature is abrogating their responsibility to fund libraries, passing the conundrum down to the County and Municipal level.  Stable, secure and sufficient funding for libraries is the challenge which needs to be put out to the community at large to solve.  We all want strong libraries as they build strong community. Let’s put our heads together to come up with a better plan to support public libraries in Lancaster County.

 

 

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