Simple rules of budgeting ignored

Why is it so difficult for our governments (state, federal and local) to develop a budget? Any business or individual creates a budget by first estimating income and then budgeting expenses to be equal to or less than anticipated revenues. Our politicians spend first, then try to figure out how to pay for it later. It should be simple to estimate revenues as we have decades of history and a multitude of accountants and financial experts in government. When will they realize it’s impossible for a poor man to spend his way to prosperity?

Also, why do they always look for ways to increase taxes on those who pay taxes? Why not find a way to collect taxes from those who earn income illegally, or the “cash only” workers, or the corporations who find loopholes to avoid taxes? It is my understanding that trillions of dollars are earned through “subterranean income.” Everyone who benefits from services such as education, health care, police protection and highways should pay something for it.

Robert W. Kuechenberg

Palatine