My colleagues in the majority party have a difficult time making the distinction between fees and taxes. They are so afraid of the word "taxes" that they avoided tax reform altogether during this election year. Instead of honestly addressing our antiquated tax system and our need for revenue, they imposed a series of what they call "fee increases" rather than directly addressing the issue. Somehow raising tuition and other costs to individual citizens, doesn't count as a tax to them.

During the 2003 Session the budget was balanced by increasing fees by $70 million. $25 million came from court fees alone. We increased the cost of a driver's license, the cost of replacing a lost license, and the cost of reinstating a license. We added a fee for filing a child custody case in Juvenile & Domestic Court. We increased the cost of an automobile registration. We increased the cost of visiting a state park. We increased the weights and measures inspection fee. What's the difference?

The burden of these fees, and the others I don't mention, will not be felt by Virginia's wealthy citizens - in fact, we gave them a tax cut. A dollar here and there won't hurt the wealthy. But, it makes a big difference to those who are suffering because of our economic problems -- the unemployed, the under-employed, and the low income workers. Do Republicans really care about the poor?

I voted against the budget this year because I am disturbed by the lack of long term vision shown by the majority party. Raising fees is regressive - we need to look our economic problems straight on and make difficult decisions. The burden of balancing Virginia's budget must be shared by all. A fee is a tax by another name - and a tax that unfairly places the burden on those who can least afford it.

Raising fees is no substitute for honest tax reform.

Mitch Van Yahres (electronic mail, May 23, 2003)