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1-Orcono WVeekly limes, Wednesday, May 1, 1996 Staying in Touch John O'Toole, MPP Durham Easf This week on my Rogers Cable show, 1 spoke with Janet Ecker MPP for Durhiam West and the Pariamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community & Social Services. Janet lias been asked by the Minister David Tsubouchi to bring forward a report on rec- ommendations for the deliv- ery of day care. Ontario spends almost $550 million to provide some 70,000 spaces. Mrs. Ecker lias visit- ed some 40 communities and spoken witli a variety of providers botli in the private and non-profit groups. Daycare is a complex issue between those who- believe that the province must pay and those who feel that it is a, family responsibility. The province i s trying to provide choices for parents whule at the same time providing quai- ity and affordable service delivery. I recommend those interested to read the Saturday, April 27th Toronto Star. The province, federal government and municipali- tics together with private day- caeoperators an-dnoprf it centres, are trying to provide a service that is need- ed. However, the family is the starting point for child care. 1 supported a federal private members bill of MP Paul Zabo, Mississauga South. Mrs. Ecker suggested that lier recommnenadations would be out in iMay 1996. What do you think? The Ontario Budget will be announced in early May according to Finance Ministeur Emie Eves. We promnised du ir- ing the election to cut the provincial income fax rate by 30%. The Liberals and the NDP have mounted a cam- paign that suggests thecre sliould not be'any tax cut. It is any surprise that tliey sug- gest it cannot be done? Remember that the NDP dou- bled the debt from-$50 billion to $100 billion in less than 5 years. Their argument is that this is a tax break for tlie rich. My argument is that 90% of liard working taxpayers eamn less than $68,000.00. We have not liad an increase in disposable income in the past ten years. People are broke and have no money to spend, small business repeats tliat tliey have lots of customers but tliey are not spending. Wlien business is'down, jobs dry up and, the cycle is repeated. ln fact, mrany stili believe tliat the GST killed the economy. Hard*,working peo- pie are taxed to the max, and are ted up. The saying today is, 'at the end of flic money, there is more mont li. Let me state'a few facts Cuts = JOBS) - over 50 jurisdictions have reduced their tax rate and increased their revenue - refer to an article in the Financial Post April 2, 96 "Study Shows Tax Cuts Reduce Deficits" Economist, Gerald Scully, cites 'focus on tax rates that maximize eco- nomic growth. The other side of this discussion is to control government spending. Ontario's plan differs fromr the Regan-omics theory which had a tax cut but no reduc- tion in government spending - Ontario is the second highest taxed jurisdiction in Northi America - Ontario lias raised taxes 65 limes since 1985 (11 hikes to personnel income tax) - Increased taxes have killed the economy (investors look elsewliere in the global economy) - The 30% tax break for those eaming $50,000.00 per year will put $4,000.00 in their pocket over the 3 years. A raise of over $100.00 per, montli (refer to the CSR doc- u1ment pgf. 5) - The Fair Share Healthi Levy will be applied to those eamning over $50,000.00 per year At $50,000.00 the levy is $ 100.00 per year At $75,000.00 the levy is $33600 per year At $100,000.00 pr y ear the levy is $1,200.00 per year Over $ 150,000.00 income per year, it is $3,000.00 (or 20of income) '\s you can see, this levy will balance the 'tax break for the richi'. The May 96 Budget will be a good news budget. This budget will be about promises kept, not more taxes. We are creating an environment for investment, growth and jobs. Ontario is a great province with plenty of human and natural resources. The missing ingre- dient lias been hope, hope especially for our youth. We are changing the way we govem. Every ministry is developing a business plan that will focus on core busi- ness. Our goal is to provide the best quaiity at the best price. We are making govemn- ment accountable to you, not the lobby groups. It is your money and after ail, each famiiy lias had to ieamn to do more with less. Spending money to solve probleins lias been the way of the past and it has not worked. We inher- ited a budget witli spending, $1 million every hour more than it took in as revenue. The Federai GST/PST Harmonization debate. The Federal Goods & Services Tax of 7% and the Provincial Sales Tax of 8% wouid (be combined or harmonized ji Ontario at 15%. The ideà hlas menit when one considIers coileet- ing, administratipn and dupli- cation at b@th leveis. However, the idpact is that you will pay the 0ombined tax on more items. F'or instance, homes, books; children's clothing, hair cits etc. More tax is flot what this govern- ment is ail abôut. Ontario already supplieý 41% of al federal tax revenlue. What liappened to, thèir promise to eliminate the GSP Like you, I recognize that the federal government is ahso in a diffi- cuit position. The federal gov- ernment is alSQ spending more than they carn, so nat- urally, they cannot further reduce revenue witliout com- spending. However, perhaps they should look at Ontario and recognize that higher taxes equal less jobs. The Minister of Health, the Honourable Jim Wilson bas rec ognized the higli growth areas of the province. He lias committed $25 mil- lion to assist higli growtli areais Iike Durham. Our 6 hospitals xiii share in almost $6 million of additional fund- ing. 1 wish to recognize the liard work of the Hospital Boards, the Hospital Council, The District Health Council as well as my fellow Durham MPP's for working together. It would appear, 'The Fair Share Campaign' did get the me'ssage across. ýThe Education debate and public meetingsý con- tinue. Last Thursday, we met with an enthusiastic group from Manvers. This Tuesday, April 3th, we meet at Scugog Community Centre at 8:00 p.m. I am pleased by the amount of public participa- tion on this issue. 1 am learn- ing from ail groups. students, teachers and parents how they sec the issue. Many have told me that all the cutting has frightened everyone. The last few years have seen a regular stream of changes to, curriculum and latest new ideas of the day. What we need is,-'A Vision for the, Future'. 1 completely agree with the need for a vision which includes fairniess for al încluding those with special needs. As I sit at various boards of education budgets, I have istened and heard where their priorities are. Education must be child focused not simply bricks and buses. Please keep the letters and comments coming. In conclusion, 1 want to share wliat one student wrote to me and 1 believe we can each learn from lier school motto. 'Be ail that you can be'. Needl a 'Place for 'Yoiu1r 1.stz and Icleas? SCRATCHIPADS & 50e a. or3 for $ ST. STEPHEN'S continued lrom page. 2 away from flic regular higli sehool play wliere everyone stands in a cute littie semi- circle and gets over-dramatic. We wanted f0 do something a little more dramatie in nature, a littie more on the cutting edge," explains director Michielle Alderson. Judging by the support the SSSP lias received, there are quite a few other people who share its dream. Riglit from tlie word go, they were flooded by requests from people wishing to help out in any way they, could. The two other direc- tors, Amanda Bal and Bridget Hogan, eageriy anticipated the opportunity to put in their own two cents in the produc- tion. Since then, more and more people have grabbed onto the dreamn and the over- aIl cast and crew ineludes over thirty dedicated students and staff. "An Evening of One Acts" wiIl be showing at the St. Stephen's Administration Building on May 3rd at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are only $3 and can be reserved by calling 987-5030 or by purcliasing themn at the door. TENDER SEALED TENDERS, for the contract specified below, submitted to the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington, Office of the Clerk, 40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, Ontario, LIC 3A6, are invited and will be received by the Clerk, uritil the specified closing time and date. Tender CL96-5 Closing Time & Date: Darlington Soccer Field Lighting 2:00 p.m. (local time) Wednesday, May 15, 1996 The work for the Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington under the direction of the Director of Public Works, involves the supply and installation of lighting at the Darlington Soccer Field. Plans, specîfications and tender forms may be obtained from the Purchasing Office at the above address for a $40.00 (plus G.S.T.) non-refundable fee payable to the Municipality. An agreement to Bond and a bid deposit in the amount specifîed in the tender documents must accompany each bld submitted. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Mrs. Lou Ann Birkett, C.P.P., AMOCT. Purchasing Manager Municipallty of Clarington 40 Temperance Street Bowmanville, Ontario Li C 3A6 905 623-3379 Ext. 268 Totten Sims Hubicki Associates 513 Division Street PO. Box 910 Cobourg, Ontario K9A 4W4 905-372-2121 MUNICIPALTY 0OF O NTA HIO Date of Publication: Wednesday. May 1, 1996 P.O. 5947 MASARU KARATE CLUB pSHORIN-RYU Classes for Children and Aduits Nowv Available. Martial Arts Supplies Rick Jones, Newtonville 905-786-2793 GANARASKA LEATHERCRAFT Tandylt Craft - The Leather Factory -Bristol Leathlers Phone ahead or by chance 8335 Hwy. 351115, Orono LOB 1 MO (905) 983-9540 MW l.. lý 4«OMI LVISA