Letter to the editor: Government ripping off taxpayers

I’ve got some questions and observations.

If I put 15 gallons of gas in my car, I pay Pennsylvania $8.64 in taxes and the federal government $2.74. That’s $11.38 in taxes for 15 gallons of gas. Who is really getting that money? Where’s all the infrastructure money? With all that money, why are our bridges and roads in such poor shape? Why do “poorly” rated bridges fall down? Why do I see 2-by-4 wooden posts holding up bridge supports? Who’s minding the store? Who is accountable for this boondoggle?

Every little borough, township and city in Pennsylvania has a school system. Seems expensive and inefficient to me. Instead, why doesn’t every Pennsylvania county have one school system with fewer schools, less administrations and lower taxes for us all? That seems reasonable.

Our state legislators get paid at least $85,000 per year plus COLA plus benefits. We taxpayers are getting ripped off. Why do we allow this to continue?

An efficient example is North Carolina. They pay their legislators less than $14,000 per year plus expenses; no COLA. They’re basically “volunteering” their time. North Carolina had an almost 10% population increase from 2010-20 and an economic growth rate of 2.7%, and their roads are in great shape and their bridges aren’t falling down. Wake up, Pennsylvania!

Folks, this isn’t my first rodeo, and we taxpayers are being ripped off. Will some state legislator or administrator answer my questions, please?

Kenneth Powell

New Kensington