Tuesday, October 05, 2010

Businesses don't live within their means; why should government?

"Minn. Power granted 11% rate increase" is a headline on the front page of today's Duluth News Tribune.

Hm!  If government is supposed to "live within its means", shouldn't businesses?  If taxpayers are paying too much taxes, then aren't ratepayers paying too much?

Minnesota Power justified the rate increase "to pay for investments in reducing emissions,…" and to pay for a transmission line for wind-generated electricity.

On the other hand, government isn't supposed to raise taxes for investments in education and transportation infra-structure.  Is business going to step in and make these investments?  It certainly needs an educated work force and transportation to move goods and services.