To the editor:

A new report released Monday analyzed several possible solutions for the state’s budget shortfall.

First, the analysis purported that a $350 million cut in state spending would result in a loss of $420 million in economic output and 5,177 jobs, over half of which were with state and local governments.

The study went on to claim a sales tax increase in the same amount would result in a loss of only 3,231 private sector jobs and $362 million in economic output. Thus, it concluded, if a tax increase resulted in new government spending, the losses outlined above could be avoided and a net 1,946 jobs and $57 million in economic output would be created.

I find the report’s claim that new government spending can create more jobs and more economic activity than the same amount in the private sector quite curious. If I were to believe this, my only question would be why legislators aren’t seeking a much larger tax increase, say 10 or 20 percent.

If government spending can create so many more jobs than private investment, then why are Gov. Parkinson and legislators not proposing massive new taxes and more state spending?

After all, if you’re going to tax Kansans more in the name of our own economic welfare, then I say do it right and really get taxes up where they can benefit us the most.