Since it's February and I haven't posted since December, let me say: Happy New Year!
I did my taxes early again this year. Taxes, for whatever reason, make me reflect more on the previous year than does the actual turn of the new year; maybe because they're tangible evidence of how the last year went. This year's tangible evidence: one federal tax return, two state tax returns, and a pretty decently sized refund all around, since both the Feds and California taxed me with a view toward a whole year of income, when in fact I had half a year of income. In fact, this is the first time in at least a couple years where California owes me. This will be the first year in four or so where I really really need the refund, so 'tis better for California to give than receive, much as I sympathize with their budget crisis. (S is dubious that I'll get my refund at all...I can't see how they could get away with that.)
That last statement -- "I sympathize with their budget crisis" -- is truly not hollow. Staring down the precipice of a job in social work, I see that much more clearly how essential state money is to the survival and well being of its constituents. So many of the Federal government's programs for funding to states are matching funds -- so the state has to be able to pony up money to get the benefit of Federal help. Given its Libertarian roots, Colorado in particular has all kinds of binding restrictions on taxes and budget surpluses, meaning that in times like these Colorado has its hands full -- well actually, empty -- trying to find a way to cover the predicted losses without cutting the budget into confetti.
Maybe it's just growing up, but I sometimes wonder how I got by for so long with my head in the sand about stuff like this. It feels much better to know about state budgets, poverty, oppression, policy, etc. and be mildly overwhelmed and sad than to be sitting at a desk job (albeit at a great organization, but still) having sent my inner Jiminy Cricket on sabbatical. Ignorance is not bliss; right now I'd say contribution is. I'll be spending my 2009 figuring out just how I plan to contribute my time and energy, and Jiminy Cricket will be right here beside me.