I vaguely remember a year in my tax-payer past when there was a surplus in the Utah Budget and the Utah tax payers received a small rebate back. I think the amount was $10 each. I remember thinking what a waste of a surplus to send us each such a small check and the cost of paying for postage and the labor to send the checks had to be significant. I would have far rather had the money either invested in underfunded programs like education, or saved for a time when the state was not so flush with cash, than receiving that measly $10 check.
I wonder how many important programs we could keep if we all gave that $10 back? The Income Tax forms have a way to give voluntary amounts to certain funds – including schools and services for the homeless, which are going to be hard hit this year. On this year’s tax form: Utah Nongame Wildlife Fund, Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund, Kurt Oscarson Children’s Organ Transplant Fund, School District & Nonprofit School District Foundation (you designate which district – district codes can be found here: http://incometax.utah.gov/codes_contributions.php), and Cat & Dog Community Spay and Neuter Program.
Just a thought . . .
