One of the most important decisions voters will make in November is whether or not to establish a state income tax.

Let’s say this simply:

“Vote No.”

The measure, I-1098, would tax adjusted gross income above $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for joint-filers. It also says it will lower the property tax and direct any increase in revenue to education and health.

Unless you’re particularly well-off financially, this can sound good. But this is not a “stick it to the rich” measure. An income tax could – and we think would – soon apply to all taxpayers in our state.

The problem with I-1098 is that the Legislature can change the initiative within two years with a two-thirds majority vote. Granted, that might be hard.

However, the Legislature only needs a simple majority vote to make changes after two years.

Ask yourself this: Do you really believe the politicians will keep their hands off your money when they can easily make an income tax apply to all?

We don’t.

State government’s problem isn’t a lack of money. The problem is that politicians refuse to prioritize spending. Their answer to everything is “give us more money.”

Again, the answer should be “No.”

It’s also a mistake to believe that other taxes will dramatically fall if an income tax is put in place. Yes, the state will cut part of the property tax, but only its share, which amounts to only about 20 percent of the total.

And what about all that increased revenue going to education and health programs? In fact, the Legislature can spend the money on anything it pleases – and probably will.

I-1098 doesn’t solve anything and likely will make things worse. Vote “No” on I-1098.