Johnny, Charlotte, my mother and I went to the East Freedom Fire Hall for ham and turkey today after church, our usual gathering spot. I talked to more people there and other places over the weekend about the budget and our economy in general. I have yet to speak to someone who likes the Governor’s idea of lowering the sales tax rate from 6% to 4% and expanding the base of the tax. I thought that some people would like it and I’m sure some do, I just haven’t spoken to any of them. I think that most folks have figured out that if the state would take in an extra $550 million or so by this change, they would end up paying more. Believe me, the business community figured out the changes in corporate taxes immediately and they don’t like them. I hope that the Senate doesn’t soften our resolve against supporting broad based tax increases. I am not so sure the commitment is there this year, we’ll have to wait and see. The big stories around the state’s newspapers today were on the Mike Veon Bonusgate trial. The jury deliberated for 2 hours on Friday then went home for the weekend. That will be the story of the week once a verdict is announced. The perspective from within the legislature will be interesting as well, either defiant in Veon’s release or frightened in his conviction.

- John