Increase sales tax, and apply it to education

I am responding to your editorial titled “Legislators Must Act on School Funding” (Sentinel, April 14).

I find it ridiculous that we keep electing politicians who for some strange reason aren’t interested in what affects their constituents. I have read many articles, gone to protests in Trenton, and heard many different runarounds on the subject. It is time to step up — rebel against the lawmakers until we are heard and something is done about these outrageous tax hikes.

There are several solutions to the problem. The first is that the state needs have a larger hand in funding schools, and not just the poor ones. To raise money for this, I would suggest an increase in the state sales tax, which is currently more than 2 percent lower than New York’s. The increase in revenue generated would then need to be applied directly to education. Second, with this increase you can also put a tax on clothing items that are valued at more than $100. Next, increase the cigarette tax — if people want to continue to smoke, well then, make them pay.

These are just a few ideas that could generate more revenue. Then maybe we can all stay in this great state.

Phil Amplo

Jamesburg