INSIDE SOURCES

Are the taxes you pay worth the benefits government delivers?

Aug 23, 2021, 6:23 PM

Wikimedia Commons

This is an editorial piece. An editorial, like a news article, is based on fact but also shares opinions. The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and are not associated with our newsroom.


SALT LAKE CITY — A majority of Americans don’t think the taxes they pay are worth the benefits of government. 

Overall, 41% of voters believe the benefits of government are worth the costs and regulations, or most commonly known as taxes. A third (33%) disagree and 26% are not sure, a Scott Rasmussen national survey found. And 60% of Democrats believe the government is worth the cost. But only 28% of Republicans and 26% of Independent voters agree.

$4.7 trillion price tag: are taxes worth government benefits?

We still have a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal that is sitting on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s desk waiting for members of the House to return.

Of course, there is the broader bill, the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill, which would expand health care, provide free preschool and community college, family leave and fund climate-change programs.

And that will be passed through reconciliation. But the debate will likely focus on the question: Is it worth it? For what we all will have to pay in taxes, fees, regulations, inflation, what do we get?

Balance of power

As we go into 2022, the nation has a closely divided House of Representatives. We have an even 50-50 split among Democrats and Republicans in the Senate. So 2022 is going to be about the balance of power. And that balance will de determined by independents who sometimes vote for Democrats but sometimes they vote for Republicans. 

Remember, 60% of Dems are going to say to Independents: Yes, it’s worth it. And 72% of Republicans will say to them: No, it’s not.

Is the cost of government taxes that we pay, the fees we pay, the regulatory costs that businesses pass on to consumers, is it all worth it?

The role of government should be, President Abraham Lincoln said to Congress:

. . . to lift artificial weights from all shoulders — to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all — to afford all, an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life.

I think that’s a pretty good model.

Related:

Truth-in-Taxation law holds taxes in check while property values rise in Utah

Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson can be heard weekdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on KSL NewsRadio. Users can find the show on the KSL NewsRadio website and app. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Inside Sources

A green and brown sign hangs on a brick wall. It reads "The future of the world is in this classroo...

Mariah Maynes

Study looks into Utah voters’ opinions on curriculum transparency in schools

A Sutherland Institute study found that a majority of Utah voters support curriculum transparency. However, fewer of them support mandating it with legislation. 

2 days ago

Mitt Romney shown...

Sam Herrera

LISTEN: Romney talks budget, wildfires and TikTok

Sen. Mitt Romney says Democrats and Republicans needed to work together to budget and build legislation that will actually pass.

16 days ago

Utah Rep. John Curtis discusses how a “stunt” by TikTok to influence House lawmakers just anger...

KSL NewsRadio

TikTok ‘stunt’ backfires as House lawmakers push to change company ownership

Utah Rep. John Curtis discusses how a “stunt” by TikTok to influence House lawmakers just angered them.

20 days ago

Dow...

Curt Gresseth

Dow closes down more than 500 points

The Dow dropped more than 750 points before closing down 525 points as inflation numbers rose higher than economists were anticipating.

1 month ago

cellphone schools...

Curt Gresseth

Governor’s message to students: ‘hang up and learn’

Gov. Spencer Cox wants cellphones to be banned in Utah schools during instruction time.

2 months ago

debt...

Curt Gresseth

Romney and Moore look to tame $34 trillion U.S. debt

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, weighing in on the $34 trillion U.S. debt and what, if anything, can do about it.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Are the taxes you pay worth the benefits government delivers?