State Senator Sharon Runner is asking “what would you do with the money” as the Legislature discusses raising taxes to cover shortfalls in the state’s budget. She is asking residents in her distrist for a quick note telling what they would do with the tax money that would come back to them if temporary taxes enacted in 2009 were to expire as scheduled in July.

“The June 15 Constitutional deadline to pass a budget is quickly approaching and the majority party is dragging its feet in solving our state’s estimated $16 billion deficit,” Runner said.

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“With the Governor’s recent announcement that tax revenues are approximately $6 billion ahead of projections, I do not believe that we need to raise taxes. Raising taxes will not only negatively impact our fragile economic recovery but will also cut into many families’ already shrinking budgets.

“In 2009, the Legislature ‘temporarily’ increased our income, sales and car taxes to generate approximately $8.6 billion. This roughly equals an increased tax burden of $900 for a family of four.

“If the taxes were allowed to sunset, what could you do with that money? How would this additional money affect you and your family? Please drop me a short note here.

“Your responses will help me share with my colleagues that tax increases, no matter how small or temporary will adversely affect our everyday lives.  Please send me your responses by Wednesday, 9am. Thank you for your time!”