I was extremely disappointed to see this article in today’s paper.  First of all, the statement that “most of the state’s nonprofits rely on government grants and contracts. ” is simply not true.  SOME rely IN PART on government grants and contracts; some organizations more than others.  Some non-profits do not receive any funding from federal or state government and only small amounts from city/county government.  Regardless, all of us rely heavily on private donations from the community to support our missions.  The statement that state and local governments are drastically cutting the funding IS true and, therefore, those who have depended on this funding must lean even more heavily on the community this year.  Proceeds of fundraising events in 2009 have been down considerably as well. 

The idea of making up the state deficit on the backs of the underserved is short sighted.  As I am sure you are aware, the non-profits are also seeing an increase in need with this recession.  Without the generosity of the community, we would not be able to provide for those in need.  In addition, the non-profit community contributes to economic development by providing an abundance of jobs as well as purchasing goods and services to support our missions.  

I think you oversimplified things by stating “New band uniforms and field trips to New York City are swell, but what’s more important, field trips or math teachers?”   I think that, were you to do your homework, you would find that the school tax money is spent to provide much more and often to supplement academics, providing for a more well-rounded education when the state supports only the basics.   The option to designate our state tax dollars to specific schools or causes is one last way that we, as citizens, are able to feel that our hard-earned dollars are being appropriated as we see fit rather than relying on the politicians to make sound decisions, especially those of us in Pima and other southern Arizona counties.  

I say, take full advantage of the state tax credit options and all other tax deductible options this year!  THEN go shopping! 

If what I remember is still true, sales tax revenue is collected at point of origin, but is distributed to assessed value of real estate.  In other words, part of the sales taxes collected in Pima County go to Maricopa County, where the Buckeye nuclear plant’s assessed value siphons off some of Pima’s sales tax revenue.

My solution to the 8.1% combined sales tax rate in Tucson, Arizona is to move to Oregon, where there is no sales tax.  Oregon real estate taxes are ~20% higher than in Tucson, but that equates to ~$1,000 more per year for a house that my wife and I recently purchased up there.  I also plan to buy a car soon and will save way more than a grand on just that purchase, figuring I’ll spend ~$25,000 x 8.1% = $2,025 sales tax.  I also plan to buy a new $1,200 computer within the next couple of months, saving more than $100 in sales tax on that on additional purchase.

I’m voting with my feet on sales taxes in Tucson, Arizona.