[survivalforum.com]

There are many states and the federal government in fact that are in the same position.

[Phantom Lord]

I dont care what position they are in. It is NOT their money!

[shadowman99]

Well, If I lived in Misery^h^h^h^h^hMissouri I would claim state-owned materials equal to the amount I am owed and would surrend those goods only once I recieve my money.

And looking at the state of Nabraska's state budget, I may get to test this idea next year.

[blackdog]

So I suppose this fiscal practice applies to those who had to pay also? Should they just send a note saying they are in the midst of a cash flow crisis and their additional tax owed payment has been put on an indefinate hold?

[Frank Grimes]

"You Can't Spend What You Don't Take In"

ding ding ding! we have a winner! Lets see if they can figure out the next logical step in this process (hint: cut back spending). Nope, they just confiscate the peoples money instead. Of course, these are the same people who gave us Gephardt, so what can you do?

[kellyrae]

From the article:

Which leaves budget director Long in a tight spot.

"You can't spend what you don't take in," he said, sighing.

WHAT!!! You ALREADY took in the money, you ALREADY spent it, and now when its time to return the overpayments, you can't figure out where to get the funds? In any other context, budget director Long, that's theft.

[The Old Hoosier]

Oh, pray for this to continue. This will bring people out to vote in state elections who will throw old Jean Carnahan out of office.

[StriperSniper]

Every single responsible person should be sued to get their attention, damages requested: treble what they are owed, or one pound of flesh. That will be a wake-up call! ;-)

[Alberta's Child]

Heck, even the People's Republic of New York sent out direct deposits for refunds before the end of April. If Missouri thinks it has a cash flow problem now, wait until people figure out that they can adjust their tax witholding so that $0 of every paycheck is deducted for the state income tax.

[Marie Antoinette]

Wowsers, I didn't know it was that bad!! Nearly a decade of Dem governorship- this is what happens.

I've also heard Iowa is having a budget crisis. Wonder how many states have screwed the budget pooch...

[RightWhale]

Even Alaska, where everyone has gold-plated toilets, is beginnig to think of starting up an income tax and stopping the annual citizen payout.

[p. henry]

Here's an idea for Missouri citizens who are affected by this theft:

Amend your return to provide that your overpayment be applied to this year's tax obligation and then change your withholding or estimated payments accordingly. In effect you will get your money even though the state refuses to pay it to you.

[PoisedWoman]

Mrs. Carnahan doesn't seem to be helping, does she? LOL.

[valkyrieanne]

I think MO law says they absolutely have to pay out by August 15. What they will probably do is cut the checks on the 14th, and then (finally) lay off some state workers somewhere. Perhaps they could start with that professor at University of Missouri in Kansas who wrote some pro-pedophilia article.

[Maceman]

Gee. Maybe I'll withhold my tax payments because of my own personal cash flow problems. They'll understand. Won't charge me any interest either, I'll bet.

[windcliff]

I wonder when California will pull this.

[MarkL]

Let's see here... I believe that the state legislature has just voted a ton of money to go towards stadiums in St Louis and Kansas City... We've got a governer who, when he was state treasurer, could never seem to find the $$$ in the state road repair funds (from a 6 cent gasoline tax) to actually repair roads and bridges. There was always something else too important, so that they stole money from the fund. The result? MO now has some of the worst raods and bridges in the country. Oh, and he also WAY overspent his coronation (oops, I meant inauguration) parties... Now this...

Mark

[RWCon]

Don't spend money you don't have in your pocket. Simple.

[gaelwolf]

Let's see... What do you want to bet that thare's a'going to be many thousands of the smarter residents doing a complete change of their witholding? If the crooks don't get your money to hold "just until tax day", then you don't have to worry about whether or not they'll return your overpayment. You just set your money aside, invest it wisely, and you get to keep the interest or dividend (at least most of it), rather then letting them "grow" your money for their own pockets...

[Gophack]

Hey! Don't give Gray Davis any ideas!

[ravingnutter]

Just sent this to my mom and sister in MO, they did not even know about it, mom was expecting quite a bit back and she is MAD! The least they could do is inform people directly instead of letting them hear it on the 6 o'clock news. Looks like Jean Carnahan's re-election campaign is going to be just as dead as her husband.