Letter to the editor: Gov. Wolf's grand spending plan

It is disappointing that Gov. Tom Wolf would propose a massive tax increase which, despite a proposed increase in the exemption for lower-income families, would hit countless middle-class families through a boost of almost 50% in the state’s levy on income, taking it from 3.07 to 4.49%.

The governor knows this is a time of hardship for many whose good jobs have vanished, or who are working reduced hours for lower wages. How can he justify taking more from them in a time of such economic challenge?

The governor’s goal to massively increase funding for public schools is noble, but the means of achieving it is flawed. Can he believe that his proposal will garner the support of the Republican-controlled General Assembly? Has he not learned the lessons of prior years in which his spending and taxing plans have been derailed?

Supporters of the governor’s grand plan will tout the fact that Pennsylvania’s state income would remain one of the lowest in the country. That argument overlooks a number of facts:

• Pennsylvania’s levy targets virtually all income, including wages, capital gains and dividends.

• Nine states impose no income tax on wages; five impose no sales tax.

• Pennsylvania is one of only a few states that impose a death tax, which seizes as much as 15% of an inheritance.

• Escalating Pennsylvania property taxes continue to batter homeowners.

The governor’s grand spending plan is doomed.

Oren Spiegler

Peters