the plan

  Everyone gets the same regardless of their contribution. That seems to be the platform of the democrats. The governor of Maryland having driven the state into a deficit, there was a surplus of 2.5 billion when he took office, introduced his new budget. He is promising no tax increases and to change the tax code so that the majority of taxpayers will actually pay less. Well, except those making in excess of $500,000 or more, they get a tax hike to 6.25%. The rich people have to pay more, so the working man doesn't. The size of government will increase, thousands need to be hired according to the governor, mostly to provide services to the public. The administration of all the "programs" those items that exhausted the surplus funds require personnel to meet the demand. Yes, there is a big line for the "free" stuff, imagine that.

  In the last few years the state has decriminalized marijuana, generating some more tax income. The ability to gamble has been expanded to include sports betting 24/7. Again, generating tax income. Now they are talking about allowing alcohol sales in grocery stores feeling it will increase sales, and tax income in the process. The neighborhood liquor stores are getting a little too dangerous for the average citizen so grocery stores would provide that safe space. That's the official line from state legislators for this proposal. But all that won't be enough. We need the high income people to pay more because they can afford it. We will now price items on a sliding scale, much like medical care to those unable to pay, just pass the cost up the line. Legislated charity. 

  Now we mustn't forget we need to subsidize minority owned small businesses. They should be given low interest rate loans. If the business fails, the loan is forgiven. Then they can apply for another loan and try again. That's a real program here in Maryland. The city of Baltimore was paying children to not wash windshields on the street corners. You see, those children were harassing, cajoling, intimidating and in some cases robbing motorists as they sat at the stoplight. Well, what can you do? You pay the kids to stay off the streets, that was the plan. The kids took that money and went back to the street corner. Yeah, worked out great. The city of Baltimore is also funding several "offices" whose aim is to reduce crime and violence. No one can know who the actual workers are, that's a secret and just how much money is being spent. No matter that one of those groups is being investigated by the FBI for having gang ties. Quite the surprise when one of the qualifications for employment was a prison record. Yes, they hired ex-cons to patrol the streets and maintain law and order. The violence interrupters! Millions spent on all of that.

  In the meantime the middle class working families get nothing. They just get to keep paying their taxes and doing the right thing. No special programs for you. You aren't poor, marginalized, a minority, an illegal alien, or a refugee. No you are just fine as long as you continue to work and pay your taxes. Don't make too much money though or the state will begin to take that to fund all those not working, not contributing a thing but demanding services. Their demands must be met! If they aren't, crime increases and the need for services also rise. They should all be given rehabilitative services because it isn't their fault they are criminals, they weren't provided with services sufficient to meet their expectations. 

 The only solution is to lower the standard of living the wealthy have grown accustomed to, to be more in line with the poor folk. We can do that by taxing them! That'll lower their income alright! You may have earned that money but it isn't all yours, you have to pay your fair share! Your share is higher than mine because you made more than I did; and that isn't fair. And that is why the governor is adding two more tax brackets to the state tax code to get more from those rich folks. Two at the top end to fill the void left by those making no contribution on the low end. The number of non contributors is growing making this necessary, it's only fair. But it's only temporary. If we continue to provide services to those folks they will rise to the top. That's the path to success. Just ask the governor.  Tax the rich and empower the poor. That'll work. That will balance the books.