TAXES
Proposal would impede the good done by Scouts
Georgia’s lawmakers have introduced House Bill 385, which includes specific provisions that would require a sales tax on Girl Scout cookie and Boy Scout popcorn fundraisers. These two not-for-profit organizations are heavily dependent on fundraising efforts to provide the programming, civic engagement and leadership training that positively engage hundreds of thousands of young people throughout the state.
If enacted, House Bill 385 would take money from Girl Scout and Boy Scout funding that supports camps and pays for Scouting programs. It would create a substantial financial burden on the children, volunteers and staff to comply.
The financial model for both organizations serves children from all economic strata and is dependent upon low-cost membership dues, donations and fundraising efforts such as these.
Marilyn Midyette, ceo, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
IMMIGRATION
Georgia’s way of reform an embarrassment
House Bill 87 is an embarrassment to all Georgians — those born here, and those who have come here to work hard and make a better life.
While we can all agree that immigration reform is necessary, we must be mindful of the principles upon which this country was founded. Not only is House Bill 87 morally reprehensible, but common sense dictates that a more responsible use of resources would be to help find a path to success for all. Rising tides lift all boats.
Angie Howell, Atlanta
BUDGET DEFICIT
Need a leader willing to tell the awful truth
Our country is faced with many tough choices to preserve our solvency. Unfortunately, leaders on both sides of the aisle lack the political courage to do what needs to be done. Entitlement programs sacrosanct to the left (such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security) need to be modified to ensure their survival. Likewise, actions deemed off-limits by the right (such as cutting defense spending) need to be enacted to reduce our spiraling deficits. A reasonable compromise would be for both sides to give in and implement some of these difficult choices.
We desperately need for a leader to emerge with the intestinal fortitude to tell the American people what most of us already know must be done. I only hope that it is not too late.
Michael Camp, Decatur
TRANSPORTATION
Billboards help drivers in more ways than one
As one who drives interstates alone approximately 3,000 miles a year, I’d like to call attention to those who are not Georgia businesses or the save-the-trees group: the drivers.
My vote is in favor of billboards for two reasons: information and safety. When I’m driving through unfamiliar territory and trying to find accommodations, food, fuel, or rest stops, billboards are invaluable. Having driven across one of Pennsylvania’s highways when there were no billboards, the monotony of nothing but trees (no matter how beautiful) was almost sleep-inducing. Surely we can have a reasonable compromise.
Judith McCarthy, Atlanta
