Goin' Bananas
Semantics are often dismissed as just hot air. But what is legislation besides words -- and lots of 'em?
Not surprisingly, a bill to compile a list of all tax breaks given to businesses and individuals nearly fell on a choice of a word.
Sen. McCoy called SB208, "Tax Expenditure Budget." McCoy figured revenue lost as a result of a tax break could be seen as a government "expenditure." (It's up to you to ask questions like, who really gets government "welfare?")
Senate Revenue and Taxation members said they liked the bill's concept, but were put off by what they saw as negative and misleading terminology.
"I want to avoid the pejorative," said Sen. Greg Bell. "Present it in neutral terms."
McCoy, a rookie lawmaker, quickly got religion. "We can call it 'bananas' if you want," he told the committee.
After the meeting McCoy discussed finding a better word for tax breaks than "bananas."
Sarah Willhelm, an analyst for Voices for Utah Children, had an idea: "How about 'bonanza.'"
-- Glen Warchol
Not surprisingly, a bill to compile a list of all tax breaks given to businesses and individuals nearly fell on a choice of a word.
Sen. McCoy called SB208, "Tax Expenditure Budget." McCoy figured revenue lost as a result of a tax break could be seen as a government "expenditure." (It's up to you to ask questions like, who really gets government "welfare?")
Senate Revenue and Taxation members said they liked the bill's concept, but were put off by what they saw as negative and misleading terminology.
"I want to avoid the pejorative," said Sen. Greg Bell. "Present it in neutral terms."
McCoy, a rookie lawmaker, quickly got religion. "We can call it 'bananas' if you want," he told the committee.
After the meeting McCoy discussed finding a better word for tax breaks than "bananas."
Sarah Willhelm, an analyst for Voices for Utah Children, had an idea: "How about 'bonanza.'"
-- Glen Warchol
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