Military Families-in-need Checkoff

In her state-of-the-state message, Governor Sebelius proposed "... a new tax checkoff that will allow Kansans to donate to military families in need simply by checking a box on their tax return." Who could oppose a tax check-off for military families in need?

We already have two so-called "checkoffs". First, there is the Chickadee Checkoff or Kansas Non-game Wildlife Improvement Program. And we have the Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels Contribution Program. A donation to either of these programs by means of the state's income tax return form "... will reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe." So, it isn't quite as simple as merely making a checkmark in a little box. (Actually, there is no "box" on the tax form to check. This slight misrepresentation tells me that the Governor's speech-writer hasn't seen a recent K-40.) Rather than simply make a checkmark, one must actually write in a dollar amount to make a donation, which I presume is tax-deductible next time around. Still, that's a simple way to donate to a cause.

But, there are reasons to oppose the military families in need "check-off". First, an additional check-off could conceivably reduce the amount of money donated to non-game wildlife and meals-on-wheels programs. At what point will the tax form fail to provide room for check-off programs? Secondly, setting up a state ran military families-in-need program is re-inventing the wheel. Numerous programs to provide social welfare services to needy military personnel and their families are operated by the American Red Cross and the various military services. Third, the need for assistance to military problems is a national government responsiblity, rather than the State of Kansas'. Should a military family assistance program fail, other social safety nets that are largely funded by federal tax dollars are available to fill the gap. Fourth, troop deployments have been happening for centuries and, except for the absence of the family's military member, have not created new unendurable hardships on those remaining at home. Support the troops and let the military support the families of the troops, which they do with pay allotments, housing allowances, health care, etc. Fifth, pandering politicians always dig for themselves a deeper hole with every hole they open. It's in vogue now to pander to military families, but is it the role of state government?. Who will be the next political target for government sponsored charities?