To the Editor,
Several years ago, a man much wiser than I stated that the cost of government was reaching dangerous levels. Also, many years ago, a senator upset with the spending by Congress, made the comment to his fellow members, "A million dollars here, a million dollars there; after awhile, we're going to be talking about real money."
The proposed pay raises in this bill are a good example. Pay raises proposed will add an estimated $10 million plus the first year.
In 10 years, this would amount to over $100,000,000. That's a lot of zeroes!!
Of course, the next item will be a tax increase, with the excuse that the state doesn't have enough money.
I believe Republicans used to refer to Democrats as the "tax and spend” party. Sadly for the taxpayers and their bank accounts, the Republicans have joined the Democrats in the legislature making for one big happy bunch of "tax and spend" lawmakers.
At our legislature in Jackson, Republicans and Democrats, can work together as long as it pertains to spending your tax dollars.
Last but not least, if a bill for pay increases was for county road workers, firemen, and deputies, instead of elected officials, I would not have written this letter.
Msg. Tony L. Ballard
Ethel, Ms
