Tax the Rich, Then Who’s Next?

Re “Prop. 63: The Rich Pay a Little, the Homeless Get a Lot of Help,” column, Oct. 25: George Skelton writes that high-income individuals should be taxed extra to support mental health programs -- in his words, “grab the money for a noble, needy cause.” A noble cause indeed, but lousy public policy.

Will we now see an extra tax imposed for any good cause whose supporters can muster enough signatures to get future years’ propositions on the ballot? Perhaps the next special tax proposal will be for those earning over $50,000 a year. We already have enough difficulties with businesses moving out of state to what are believed to be more favorable business climates and high-income individuals taking up residence in Nevada, which has no state income taxes. This proposal probably is unconstitutional. In any event, it is simply unwise.

Marshall B. Grossman

Santa Monica