*** All we ever hear is how broke government is getting. It doesn't matter whether it's at the federal, state, county, school districts or local level--they all claim the same. Could the reason be the largest segment of taxpayers--the middle class--has experienced a steady decline in earnings year after year. Even more so when adjusted for inflation. In about every part of the country we are seeing a explosion in the number of warehouse and service jobs paying $11-$15 an hour. Gone are the vast numbers of well paying industrial jobs. We could debate all day why this is so--but it won't change the fact less pay means less revenue for government.
*** Unfunded mandates--When the government receives less revenue it comes up with all kinds of creative schemes. One of the ugliest are these unfunded mandates. To put it simply--when the government wants to do things it can't afford it forces someone else to come up with a way to pay for it. And if they don't--imposes fines. Agencies seeing their budgets cut come up with a all kinds of new unfunded mandates. Ones which require permits along with the accompanying payment of fees for them to offset their declining incomes..
*** Tax cuts--ain't no such beast. Currently the United States is over $20 trillion in the hole. I often said I can't afford any more tax breaks. No truer will it be with whatever scheme they come up with in Washington. Whatever they come up with you best believe it will amount to little more the rearranging the deck chairs on the 'Titanic'. According to 'Pew Research' as of August 2017 this fiscal year it is projected to cost $474.5 billion on interest alone by the end of this month.
*** Pennsylvania legislators couldn't agree on how to plug a $2 billion shortfall. On Friday the state stop cutting checks for $1.7 billion intended for 2.2 million enrolled under Medicaid insurers and to the state's obligation towards school districts' pension funds. So suck it up buttercup--the checks ain't in the mail.
No worries--legislators are still getting paid on time.
*** Protests, Protests and more protests. Ain't seen nothing like em. You name it--somebody's gotta a problem with it. Rather exhausting. Kinda makes me tune out at this point.
Speaking of Easton-- mayor Sal Panto is upset after he was shot down by the planning commission. They rejected imposing $700,000 in fees and permits on Lafayette College. He said he needed these to balance the budget. As we all should know--you can't impose taxes on nonprofits--but you sure as hell can squeeze them for fees
Back to Allentown. This year's upcoming election will be a replay of the primaries. Nearly a half dozen candidates announced intentions of running for mayor. Short story is Pawlowski is a sure winner. Allentown voters always pull the big 'D" lever. Not that it matters anyways. No matter who wins Hess's, Western Electric nor GE is coming back. Neither will couples with kids restore single home ownership like it once use to be. It is what it is.
The best we can hope for--whoever is elected will attend council meetings and be a lot more receptive then what we've seen in the past. In other words a lot less political. Far more engaged with the peons. There's no reason why--with all the media we have available--someone in a leadership position couldn't interact more then they have in the past. This could be done through a well organized weekly/monthly town hall style program either on PBS39. WFMZ, either cable TV service or even a Q&A piece in the Morning Call. Why not all five?
Well that's about all on my mind for now. As I look back over this maybe these weren't "Quick Thoughts" after all. Sorry bout that. I'm sure there will be more to follow. Stay tuned.
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