KTEC: Tough time to ask for more taxes

Politicians don't look at taxes the same way as people who have to pay for the spending politicians always seem to want to do.

This leads me to the issue of KTEC. Over the past week or so, I have read the pros and cons and even sometimes the attacks by other readers on those who have spoken on this matter.

What is not being taken into consideration is the state of the economy. Just last week, the Washington governor called for more cuts in the budget because of declining revenues. I believe Idaho tax revenue is not up to expectation either. So, will Governor Otter ask for holdbacks again? Count on it! And now, even our Board of Commissioners has cancelled a meeting to seriously consider removing a 1 percent property tax increase.

This week, the nation experienced its highest first time jobless claims in nine months. The state of Idaho has seen significant job and wage losses as many companies and even government has trimmed wages and hours worked. Here in Idaho, 2,300 people dropped out of the labor force for July. In July, the Idaho unemployment rate was slightly higher than 8.8 percent. That is too many Idahoans who are suffering. While some believe we have hit a low point, I am not so sure. Many believe high employment will continue through 2012. Even the Department of Labor projects a slow decline and staying into the 8 percent range into mid-2011 at the earliest.

On top of the jobless claims, banks reported taking back nearly 93,000 properties nationwide. That is a 9 percent increase over June's figures and nearly 4 percent over last year. Housing owned by the government/banks is nearly 600,000 pieces of property. Are we maybe in for more foreclosures? It is clear the housing overhang will take years not months to relieve.

There is wide speculation that the economy will get slightly worse before it gets better. Just this week, many retailers are scaling back earning estimates because of the fear consumer spending will decrease. GDP estimates are being cut for the remainder of the year. People are fearful because they are not sure if their taxes will be going up next year. Businesses are also concerned about increased paperwork, regulations and even increasing health care costs. A recent survey of 5,000 businesses nationwide forecasts an increase of 8 percent in health care costs, and many say they will ask their workers to pay a greater portion of their own health care packages.

This period will always be known as the great recession which has taken a toll on every aspect of Idaho economy. For Idaho, this is the worst recession in Idaho's history since 1940. The use of food banks are at an all-time high. Just look around and see how many thrift shops have popped up and are busier than ever.

As for KTEC, I do not like the lack of citizen oversight. I do not understand the future funding. Will the school boards keep coming back to the voter to keep funding this, or will districts use other levies to fund this through sending students to KTEC? I too question the open meeting law. Is this another levy which will never go away?

So, is now the time to build KTEC? You be the judge. I am not sure now is the time to take the money from the voters. I am sure many of us know friends or families who are suffering and may even be on the verge of losing their jobs and/or homes. I know some -- they are engineers, electricians, plumbers, and just everyday young people struggling to get along. I'd like to use that money to help those who need help today. Many people who can't find work are going to school only to get out and still not be able to get a job, but have extensive loans to pay off as well. Most can't afford to go to school in the first place.

Gary Nystrom is a Post Falls resident.