Direct Battle Between Rentiers vs Citizens Resurfaces

commentary by Roger Erickson

Nebraska farm groups questioning Gov. Heineman's plan to eliminate sales-tax

Some of Nebraska's powerful farm interests are skeptical about Gov. Dave
Heineman's proposed income-tax overhaul, arguing that the state should
focus instead on reducing property taxes.

Too bad this topic hasn't come up in citizen propositions yet, especially in California.

Who is Gov. Heineman and where did he get even his minimal idea? It's a pity he doesn't just propose doing away with state income taxes altogether while markedly raising taxes on a variety of "properties." A very vocal brawl would allow the public could see the full range of arguments, propaganda and special interests revealed. A visible rentier/citizen war of words could be very revealing if handled properly.

Anyone have information on the historic battles over "aggregate-demand" vs "property" or rentier taxes in various states, or even in other countries?