There's nothing so permanent as a temporary government program--or tax.

The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute's blog notes that Milwaukee's temporary tax on cell phones--meant to upgrade the city's 911 call center--will be extended, if Mayor Tom Barrett gets his way.

Did I mention that the upgrade has been completed?

Steve Pigeon sees a pattern in Milwaukee residents getting nickel and dimed (and worse) by governments that aren't frugal. He's also starting a pattern of his own: Saving those big purchases for the times when he's traveling outside the county.