translation: EEEEEEEVIL Republicans with their tax cuts have deprived us of the resources to do our job.
“This ailing county is one of a swath of rural mountain communities struggling to maintain essential public services as coal mines shutter, leaving them with dwindling jobs, residents and taxes.
In the last decade, Martin County’s population has dropped from about 13,000 to 11,500 as the number of workers employed by coal companies has fallen from 866 to 57. County funding from severance taxes companies pay on coal removal has plunged from $931,800 to $83,900 a year.”
Explain please how this is a result of any Republican policy.
No, sounds like most of the residents blame Obama and his targeting of the coal industry. County used to collect almost $1 million a year in coal-related taxes (back when there were 800+ miners on local payrolls). Now, the number of working miners is less than 100, and the county is collecting under $100K annually in coal taxes.
More of Zero’s handiwork. And, according to the article, the county elders also decided to build a new administration building that carries a $55,000 monthly note.
Wonder how many other counties in coal country are in similar shape.