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Editorial The message from Washington is that we are not in a recession. The political spin on the economic condition the country seems stalled in, is that it is a "slowdown." Message to all who represent the public: Call it what you will, but Americans are having a hard time making ends meet, and on Long Island that is compounded by taxes that are choking, not only Long Island families but Long Island's economy and the hope of a brighter, more prosperous future. Taxes and the high cost of gasoline is a double whammy. They impact on almost everything else, driving up costs. Whether it's higher bills at the supermarket, the hardware store, or at the mall, the pace of escalating prices is outstripping the ability of many families to keep up. What to do? First, every level of government has to learn to spend less. The folks who pick up the public tab are forced to do it in their homes, so it is only appropriate for government to cut back when resources are strained. And, they should do it responsibly, looking for reductions in areas that will be the least painful. Now is also the time to open up those coffers and use some surplus funds to reduce taxes. While public officials might rest easier at night knowing that there are millions of dollars in reserves sitting in the bank somewhere, the public has no such comfort. Many families live pay check to pay check. So, our officials need to bring down those reserves to reduce the tax levies. New York State can also pitch in by reducing or eliminating the taxes on gasoline. It may place a pinch on the state's road projects, which are funded largely by these taxes, but that is something we may have to live with for the next several years.
The bottom line is that government cannot and should not live any more lavishly than the public that fills its purse.
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