The Washington Post editorialized yesterday about the budget discussion currently taking place in D.C. Council.  An excerpt with which we find ourselves in deep agreement reads:

"To date, much of the discussion has centered on what new taxes can be imposed, with proposals targeting soft drinks, yoga classes and the investment portfolios of wealthy residents. These shortsighted measures would place new burdens on Washingtonians while placing the District at a competitive disadvantage with its suburban neighbors. Instead of rushing to impose yet more taxes on residents who already pay more in most taxes than their counterparts in Maryland or Virginia, the council should impose some spending discipline on a government that has seen its expenditures increase by nearly 40 percent over the past five years."

Also worth pointing out that Council Chairman Vincent Gray had a rousing quote in the piece as well, saying that District residents are being "nickel-and-dimed with everything they try to do in this city."  Chairman Gray is on to something here, though we'd say that D.C. residents and business owners aren't simply getting "nickel-and-dimed" here; they are getting "dollar-and-five-dollared" with the mounting taxes being imposed on them.

In the very sensible conclusion, the editorial urges Council to be mindful of instating new programs that would require a revenue increase in a rough economy - especially when new programs might not be needed.  The piece appeals to common sense, and we hope you will take a few minutes to read it.

After you do, check in with us on Twitter and Facebook to let us know what you think about it!