I really don't know if things are any worse than they have always been. My guess is that the pie has gotten so small we're all forced to notice it more.
Where I live in NYC - we are getting freaking hammered daily:
1. Salt Bans
2. soda Tax
3. increased DMV fees.
4. increased MTA fares
5. increased property taxes
6. increased surcharges on cell phones and other crap.
7. MTA payroll tax
The govt is simply on an all out assault against the average person in ways I never ever remember.