Today is the filing deadline for federal and state taxes in the United States. Like just about everyone, I don’t relish the process of completing our tax returns nor do I enjoy writing a check and mailing it to the government.
But, here’s some of what I do enjoy:
- I enjoy driving on well-maintained roads that are safe and free of potholes.
- I enjoy having K-12 schools that are in good repair, provide students with up-to-date school books, and offer teachers salaries that allow them to live in the community where they work.
- I enjoy having a quality college and university system that educates the workforce of the future.
- I enjoy having police and fire departments that provide public safety.
- I enjoy the fresh, safe drinking water that comes right out of the tap.
- I enjoy visiting our state and national parks and want to maintain them for future generations.
- I enjoy being able to access our public libraries and check out just about any book I want.
- I enjoy our non-profit, award-winning Public Broadcasting System.
- I enjoy having a strong national defense.
- I enjoy the benefits of our government investing in science, technology, health research, food safety, public health services, and disease control.
- I (will) enjoy the benefits of Social Security and Medicare and appreciate the safety net these programs provide.
While I am not comfortable with our country’s debt levels and I know our government could be more efficient, I know that much of what I enjoy would not exist without taxes. I may not be happy about writing that check, but I am grateful for the benefits that I get in return.
