Published Saturday, October 20, 2007 in the WTE

Gov. Dave Freudenthal: myth-breaker or myth-maker?

At one time, there was hope in many quarters of this state that Mr. Freudenthal would work to change the mindset of Wyomingites, to help them come to understand the need for each of them to shoulder part of the burden to support progress and build a greater and more diversified state.

But then came the Wyoming quarter and the trumpeting by the governor's office - in almost daily press releases - about the cowboy and bucking horse logo. A lot of staff time and thousands of words were spent perpetuating the myth that this state was built on the backs of cowpokes out on the range.

It wasn't.

Now comes Mr. Freudenthal's proposal to provide senior citizens with a property tax break.

As if Wyomingites - and particularly its older persons - are overburdened by taxes.

As if hundreds of this state's elderly are being trotted off to the poor house by rising property taxes.

As if each resident does not have the responsibility to pay something for the state services that he or she receives.

The fact of the matter is that no one is overburdened by taxes in Wyoming. Consider just a few of the facts gleaned from a brief search of the Internet:

n In terms of property taxes, this state has the 41st lowest rate in America. Indeed, residents of Wyoming pay just 1.4 percent of their income in property taxes. Compared to places like New Jersey (6.75 percent), that is a drop in the bucket.

n Wyoming ranks just 23rd in the nation in terms of overall tax burden. State and local taxes make up just 10.1 percent of per capita income. No doubt that is due to lower property taxes and the lack of an income tax.

n In a ranking of the largest cities in each state, and including Washington, D.C., Cheyenne sits dead last - 51st - in terms of the percentage of state and local taxes paid by those with an income of $75,000 at 3.9 percent.

n Wyoming's sales tax rates are not burdensome. According to the Sales Tax Clearinghouse, this state's average county rate is 5.4 percent. That compares with more than 6 percent in Utah, Colorado and Nebraska and even 8 and 9 percent in other states.

It also is important to note that Wyomingites get way more for their money in terms of state services than they put in. The last figure I heard was that each of us gets about $12,000 in services for $2,000 in taxes.

No, Mr. Freudenthal, the elderly of Wyoming do not need a property tax break - no matter how many of them might call you or accost you when you are out and about in the state.

Rather, they have gotten so spoiled by politicians like yourself - who pander to their false sense of entitlement - that they really believe they are overtaxed. They are not.

Now, it might be true that some residents are feeling the pinch as the state's economy develops and growth arrives in their communities. But they have been carried along for years by the state. And, by the way, those same residents are getting the benefits of that growth as well.

It is time, quite frankly, that they begin to shoulder a greater part of the burden - that is their role as citizens - rather than looking for the Governor's Office or the Legislature to come to the rescue like Robin Hood, robbing from the rich (or anyone else).

State residents are told - by the governor, by legislators, by their fellow Wyomingites - how fortunate they are to live in this great state.

And yes, they are fortunate. And, yes, it is a great state.

But how much should each of them be willing to pay to live here and to keep the state great?

Is $638 a year - the amount the elderly would save under Mr. Freudenthal's plan - too much to ask? I don't think so, given that basically is $50 per month or about $1.75 per day.

In fact, if the governor and the Legislature do not get serious about teaching residents about their responsibilities, as well as their rights, the state will be facing huge problems in the future, such as crumbling highways and other state infrastructure.

Wyoming's leaders dodged this issue for years - refusing to speak frankly about the need for taxes - and they ended up with a school-building program forced on them by the state Supreme Court. And that is going to cost what, more than $2 billion?

It also is important to point out that this tax break for the elderly will not come without a cost.

Estimates show it could pull up to $18 million a year, or $36 million per biennium, out of the general fund. One has to wonder whose pocket that will come out of and whether it is wise to continue expanding government (this is a recurring expense).

But the real issue here is whether Mr. Freudenthal simply has thrown up his hands over his efforts to change the state's mindset and has decided simply to go with the flow.

If that is so, he will not leave much of a legacy behind.

D. Reed Eckhardt is the managing editor. If you have thoughts on this column or anything else in the WTE, please contact him at: D. Reed Eckhardt, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, 702 W. Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001; or at 307-633-3125; or e-mail reckhardt@wyomingnews.com.