The Straw That Broke Our Backs

To add insult to injury, it now looks like tax millages are going to go way up because of the unfair and uneven way tax assessments have been adjusted post-Katrina. Which means our tax burden is likely to grow considerably. Earlier we were on the fence about what do with our home in New Orleans but now it is clear that it is time to sell and leave the city. This makes us incredibly sad since we'll miss our absolutely tremendous neighbors and the great culture and urban living. The only question is now is whether or not we sell immediately or try and hold out until August when we'll have been in the home two years and don't have to worry about the taxes on our home appreciation.

I am slowly starting to understand the federal government's lack of desire to help Louisiana. It seems like everything in this state is being done ass-backwards and while everyone knows it, absolutely no one is willing or able to work towards fixing it (in fact, there are many who take pride in it.) I too would be reluctant to give to a city begging for money with one hand while the other hand actively works to make is tax structure even more uneven, unfair, and biased towards the wealthiest few.

I wish I could say it is a battle we could stay and fight but at this point, I feel like the only true vote we have is with our feet. We are incredibly lucky that we are in both an economic aland logistical positions where we can chose to leave the city. Not that city has made it so that we could afford to stay if we really wanted...