The biblical book of Hebrews defines faith thus: “Being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” Of course, that refers to faith in God, and the objective reality of the universe itself argues for the existence of a supernatural creator.
Not so with the type of faith exhibited by the Keystone Corp., the right-wing political organization. It put out a news release today with the following statement from board Chairman John R. Gibson:
The Board of Directors of Keystone Corporation met today and authorized the following statement regarding the current discussion of taxation in the state of Nevada. “Keystone Corporation believes that Nevada attracts new and diversified business due in large part to the absence of general corporate and individual income taxation. Therefore, Keystone opposes any proposal which would result in the imposition or raising of corporate income taxes, a margin tax or a gross receipts tax. This is and continues to be the policy of Keystone Corporation.”
Oh, really? Then, pray tell, why is it that all the states surrounding Nevada — all of which impose some type of tax on business income — have lower unemployment rates than does Nevada? And why is it that Nevada — despite having no corporate or personal income tax — struggles so much to attract business?
Could it be perhaps that corporate income taxes are not the only or even the most important factor in deciding whether businesses move to a particular place?
Whether the Keystone Corp. believes something doesn’t make it true. In this case, objective reality argues against the group’s faith-based philosophy.
And a political note: I see nothing in this statement about opposition to a gambling or mining industry tax increase, of the type that Keystone board member Monte Miller has proposed. Surely, if those taxes crush businesses, we’ll never see another casino or mine in the state! Right, Keystone?
Then again, the real point of Miller’s tax plans is to confuse voters and get revenge on the uppity gambling and mining industries for breaking ranks and saying they’ll support a business income tax, right? So taxes are bad for business, but good for revenge!
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“The Board of Directors of Keystone Corporation met today and authorized the following statement regarding the current discussion of taxation in the state of Nevada. ‘Keystone Corporation believes that Nevada attracts new and diversified business due in large part to the absence of general corporate and individual income taxation.’”
The key word there from the Board is “believes.” They can “believe” what they want, but that don’t make it true.
In a recent article in the LV Sun, supposedly large corporate businessmen gathered here last year and were polled regarding what is the number one thing that prevents businesses from moving to Nevada.
The number one thing was the educational base. They say it’s not here and, if it is here, it’s inadequate for hiring purposes for their companies.
This long string of 17 years of predatory Tea/Republican Party Governors has basically stripped education on all levels in Nevada. And the sad thing is they are not through. It STILL continues. It is so bad and so discernible that I really think this Governor wants to incarcerate the youth of Nevada, not educate them.
Businesses don’t come here because the taxes are (or will be) too high.
It’s because they believe the education standards of Nevadans are way too low, thereby causing them to be unemployable to run their businesses successfully if they move to Nevada.
But, like you say, Steve, those yahoos will tell you anything they want you to hear. Don’t mean it’s true though.
Currently public education takes 50% of the states general fund. If education is the logjam to business investment in NV then how much more would be needed to correct this?
Can we increase corporate taxes on corporations that have not moved here yet?
How about on all those business’s that are closed from the recession. I see empty stores in some of the best neighborhoods.
Tax the mining and casino industries to get all you need? That takes me back to how much is it you think necessary?
Crickets, figures.