Today is the first anniversary of the Stimulus Bill. Politicians are making the rounds telling us how well this bill has worked. Repeating an untruth frequently does not make it true. The American people know the bill has not worked. The polls all agree on this. Unemployment has increased dramatically after the passage of this bill. The stock market is shaky and most of this country’s retirement funds are invested in 401 (k)s. Every day we see examples of just how bad the economy is. Do NOT tell us the recession is over for it isn’t.
Do these proponents of the Stimulus Bill really think that if they tell us that the Stimulus Bill has worked magnificently, we will suddenly ignore all facts and believe them? What kind of unreal world do they live in? The American public is not gullible or stupid. All these “spinners” are doing is destroying their own credibility.
If Congress really seeks to help the economy and reduce the deficit, they should not implement the remainder of the bill. Over 500 billion dollars of this bill have not yet been spent. This money should be applied to reducing the national debt. The unused or repaid TARP funds should also be applied to reducing the national debt. The TARP bill stated that these funds would be so used. Why is TARP money being used as a slush fund?
Can Congress not repeat last year’s mistakes? The only proven method of improving or ending an economic recession is broad-based tax cuts for individuals and large and small businesses. This year we must leave the world of theory behind and implement policies that history has shown us many, many times do work.
Signed,
The Electorate
Showing posts with label tax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tax. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Proposed 2011 Budget
When addressing fiscal responsibility, the President talks a good game. Last week he said that this level of debt and spending is unsustainable. He promised tax relief for small businesses. He said he would freeze a very small portion of the national budget. That was last week.
This week he submits a 3.83 trillion dollar budget. This budget contains a 1.56 trillion dollar deficit. This deficit is even larger than last year’s deficit. The budget contains 2 trillion dollars of proposed tax increases. It does contain 20 billion – with a “B” – of spending cuts. How significant can these tiny cuts be? It is a bone being tossed to all those Americans protesting the out of control spending.
What this country needs are significant spending cuts. No new wildly expensive programs. This country needs significant broad-based tax cuts. Endeavoring to make more loans available to small businesses is laudable. Offering tax credits to small businesses that create new jobs is a step in the right direction. If all small businesses were given tax reductions without conditions attached, more business could expand and new jobs would be created. Do not forget tax cuts for large businesses. They create jobs in larger numbers. Do not forget tax cuts for individuals. They buy goods.
Taxes will increase for anyone making more than $200,000 a year. This includes many, many small businesses. With one hand the government proposes offering tax credits to small businesses that create new jobs. With the other hand the government proposes raising taxes on these same businesses. Does this even make sense?
This country does not want the government to pay lip-service to fiscal responsibility. We will judge the government by its deeds. Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk.
We can not afford this level of debt. We can not afford this level of spending. We know that the government will seek to stuff this budget with thousands of pet pork projects. My advice is CUT the pork; CUT the spending; and REDUCE the national debt.
Signed,
The Electorate
This week he submits a 3.83 trillion dollar budget. This budget contains a 1.56 trillion dollar deficit. This deficit is even larger than last year’s deficit. The budget contains 2 trillion dollars of proposed tax increases. It does contain 20 billion – with a “B” – of spending cuts. How significant can these tiny cuts be? It is a bone being tossed to all those Americans protesting the out of control spending.
What this country needs are significant spending cuts. No new wildly expensive programs. This country needs significant broad-based tax cuts. Endeavoring to make more loans available to small businesses is laudable. Offering tax credits to small businesses that create new jobs is a step in the right direction. If all small businesses were given tax reductions without conditions attached, more business could expand and new jobs would be created. Do not forget tax cuts for large businesses. They create jobs in larger numbers. Do not forget tax cuts for individuals. They buy goods.
Taxes will increase for anyone making more than $200,000 a year. This includes many, many small businesses. With one hand the government proposes offering tax credits to small businesses that create new jobs. With the other hand the government proposes raising taxes on these same businesses. Does this even make sense?
This country does not want the government to pay lip-service to fiscal responsibility. We will judge the government by its deeds. Don’t just talk the talk; walk the walk.
We can not afford this level of debt. We can not afford this level of spending. We know that the government will seek to stuff this budget with thousands of pet pork projects. My advice is CUT the pork; CUT the spending; and REDUCE the national debt.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, January 11, 2010
Reject This Bad Bill
When legislators run for election, they tell their constituents where they stand on issues. When they get to Washington they ignore their pledges and the opinions of their constituents. They arrogantly believe in their superior wisdom, thinking they know what is best for the poor ignorant public. What opiate is in the waters of the Potomac? This is not representation. We hired you to represent us – not to dictate to us or to control us.
Time and time again we have told you that the health care bill is terrible. We do not want it. We want to make our own health care decisions. We do not want the federal government to run, control, or regulate the details of our health care insurance. If government controls the health care of the citizens of this country, it controls the citizens. The government does not have this right.
The government says it can regulate health care under the commerce clause. We can not even buy health care insurance across state lines. How is this interstate commerce? The federal government has limited powers granted to it in the Constitution. Health care existed in1787. If the founding fathers had wanted the federal government to control or regulate health care, they would have granted this power to the federal government. They did not do this.
Health care is not a right. Franklin Roosevelt wanted to include health care in a second bill of rights. No such amendment was ever made to the Constitution. Are we a nation of laws or do you believe that the government can do anything it wishes?
We are responsible for our own health care. The federal government can insist that rules be applied equally to all. No one should be excluded because of a preexisting condition since this could be deemed discrimination. The federal government does not have the right to dictate what type of insurance we have and how and when it can be applied. We have the right to choose what plan best suits us. We also have the right to reject insurance, if we feel this is in our best interest. The government does not have the right to force us to buy something we do not want.
In this last year the federal government has sought to expand its control over our lives. Americans believe in their individual freedoms. That is why we have protested so vehemently against this expansion of power. We will continue to do so.
Signed,
The Electorate
Time and time again we have told you that the health care bill is terrible. We do not want it. We want to make our own health care decisions. We do not want the federal government to run, control, or regulate the details of our health care insurance. If government controls the health care of the citizens of this country, it controls the citizens. The government does not have this right.
The government says it can regulate health care under the commerce clause. We can not even buy health care insurance across state lines. How is this interstate commerce? The federal government has limited powers granted to it in the Constitution. Health care existed in1787. If the founding fathers had wanted the federal government to control or regulate health care, they would have granted this power to the federal government. They did not do this.
Health care is not a right. Franklin Roosevelt wanted to include health care in a second bill of rights. No such amendment was ever made to the Constitution. Are we a nation of laws or do you believe that the government can do anything it wishes?
We are responsible for our own health care. The federal government can insist that rules be applied equally to all. No one should be excluded because of a preexisting condition since this could be deemed discrimination. The federal government does not have the right to dictate what type of insurance we have and how and when it can be applied. We have the right to choose what plan best suits us. We also have the right to reject insurance, if we feel this is in our best interest. The government does not have the right to force us to buy something we do not want.
In this last year the federal government has sought to expand its control over our lives. Americans believe in their individual freedoms. That is why we have protested so vehemently against this expansion of power. We will continue to do so.
Signed,
The Electorate
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Alternate Minimum Tax
The Alternate Minimum Tax was created by the Tax Reform Act of 1969. Its purpose was to prevent 155 high income households from claiming so many tax exemptions and credits that they would owe little or no income tax. It was not indexed to inflation. It has now become the bane of middle class America. Every year Congress passes a one year patch and kicks this can down the road.
The income level of the middle class has changed. Congress needs to correct this problem not postpone it. This could be done in a simple one page bill. Apply this tax to individuals who have an annual income of over $100,000 and to families with an annual income of over $150,000. Americans have enough to dread at tax time. We do not need this tax hanging over our heads.
Signed,
The Electorate
The income level of the middle class has changed. Congress needs to correct this problem not postpone it. This could be done in a simple one page bill. Apply this tax to individuals who have an annual income of over $100,000 and to families with an annual income of over $150,000. Americans have enough to dread at tax time. We do not need this tax hanging over our heads.
Signed,
The Electorate
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Health Care: Please Vote "No"
Soon you will face one of the most important votes that any senator has ever been asked to make. Will you place the health care of this nation into the hands of the federal government? Will you take our health care decisions out of our hands and place it into the hands of bureaucrats? At one fell swoop will you turn one-sixth of our economy over to Washington? Big government is not the answer. It has never been the answer. Frequently it is the problem.
Recently a government panel – with no radiologists or oncologists on this panel – decided that women over forty no longer needed yearly mammograms. This panel stated that mammograms are now only necessary every two to three years for women over fifty. The American Cancer Society and most doctors do not agree with the decision of this panel. Everyone knows that early detection of this disease is vital. Soon insurance will no longer pay for yearly mammograms. How many women will die as a result of this decision, if the decision is allowed to stand?
This is the kind of decision that bureaucrats make. They are only concerned with the bottom line. That is why our health care decisions need to remain in our hands and the hands of our chosen doctors. We do not want to be “cost effective”. We want to be healthy and alive.
Congress promised cheaper, high quality health care for all. The proposed bills deliver more expensive, lower quality health care which still does not cover thirty million people. The bills cut Medicare and create new taxes and fines. Take these plans back to the drawing board.
Your vote, especially on cloture, will help determine whether we will keep our health care under our control or if the federal government will take over and manage our health care. The federal government is not noted for its efficiency and the public dreads a government takeover. I ask that you vote to keep health care in the hands of the people.
Signed,
The Electorate
Recently a government panel – with no radiologists or oncologists on this panel – decided that women over forty no longer needed yearly mammograms. This panel stated that mammograms are now only necessary every two to three years for women over fifty. The American Cancer Society and most doctors do not agree with the decision of this panel. Everyone knows that early detection of this disease is vital. Soon insurance will no longer pay for yearly mammograms. How many women will die as a result of this decision, if the decision is allowed to stand?
This is the kind of decision that bureaucrats make. They are only concerned with the bottom line. That is why our health care decisions need to remain in our hands and the hands of our chosen doctors. We do not want to be “cost effective”. We want to be healthy and alive.
Congress promised cheaper, high quality health care for all. The proposed bills deliver more expensive, lower quality health care which still does not cover thirty million people. The bills cut Medicare and create new taxes and fines. Take these plans back to the drawing board.
Your vote, especially on cloture, will help determine whether we will keep our health care under our control or if the federal government will take over and manage our health care. The federal government is not noted for its efficiency and the public dreads a government takeover. I ask that you vote to keep health care in the hands of the people.
Signed,
The Electorate
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Congress Can Do Better
The health care reform bills now being considered in the House and Senate are monstrosities. We were told that health care would be cheaper; would be higher quality; and include everyone. The American public was skeptical – apparently rightly so. These huge convoluted bills do the exact opposite.
Health care will cost more. Insurance premiums will go up because of punitive taxes and fines. Taxes will go up to help pay for the program. The national debt will go up. The Congressional Budget Office states that the House bill costs more than projected. Both versions will cost more than projected, since all government programs exceed their projected costs. These bills are too expensive.
The government option will drive private insurance companies out of business. Private companies can not compete with the might and power of the federal government. They can not compete with the federal government financially. The government can tax, print, and borrow at will.
The quality of health care will go down. As the rolls of Medicare increase, its budget is being cut by five hundred billion dollars. Of course, this will affect the quality. These bills add more patients to our health care system, but the number of doctors remains constant. Some type of rationing will be necessary. The government decides what type of treatment is required to be covered or not be covered by insurances. The government, not the doctors, decides what treatment is acceptable and “cost effective” – goodbye old folks.
While more people are covered, by no means are all legal Americans covered. This goal too was not met.
These are poorly crafted, inadequate, undesirable bills. Health care goals are not met. Can not Congress write a bill that provides high quality, affordable, health care to more people and still maintains the doctor-patient relationship? This needs to be done in the private sector. Medicare and Medicaid are poorly run and do not provide high quality health care. Do not denigrate the health care system we currently have. Congress can do better.
Signed,
The Electorate
Health care will cost more. Insurance premiums will go up because of punitive taxes and fines. Taxes will go up to help pay for the program. The national debt will go up. The Congressional Budget Office states that the House bill costs more than projected. Both versions will cost more than projected, since all government programs exceed their projected costs. These bills are too expensive.
The government option will drive private insurance companies out of business. Private companies can not compete with the might and power of the federal government. They can not compete with the federal government financially. The government can tax, print, and borrow at will.
The quality of health care will go down. As the rolls of Medicare increase, its budget is being cut by five hundred billion dollars. Of course, this will affect the quality. These bills add more patients to our health care system, but the number of doctors remains constant. Some type of rationing will be necessary. The government decides what type of treatment is required to be covered or not be covered by insurances. The government, not the doctors, decides what treatment is acceptable and “cost effective” – goodbye old folks.
While more people are covered, by no means are all legal Americans covered. This goal too was not met.
These are poorly crafted, inadequate, undesirable bills. Health care goals are not met. Can not Congress write a bill that provides high quality, affordable, health care to more people and still maintains the doctor-patient relationship? This needs to be done in the private sector. Medicare and Medicaid are poorly run and do not provide high quality health care. Do not denigrate the health care system we currently have. Congress can do better.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, October 26, 2009
Health Care Must Be Paid For
While Congress debates what they want or don’t want in a health care bill, they are glossing over a vital issue. This bill has to be paid for. The national debt is increasing at an alarming rate. This level of spending can not be sustained. This federal spending spree has got to stop – NOW.
Congress seems to want to fund this enormous program by cutting Medicare and raising taxes. Whether or not Congress is actually willing to cut Medicare, it is irresponsible for them to propose cutting Medicare by ten percent as more and more “baby bloomers” are entering the system. Increasing taxes in a struggling economy will only deepen and prolong the recession. Ask your constituents – the recession is not over.
The costs of the health care bills are not mathematically correct. Taxes and cuts will begin in 2010. The programs will not begin until 2013 and will not be fully implemented until 2017. Basically Americans are paying for this program for ten years and receiving about five years of benefits. Ten years of the program would cost twice the estimates. Even that would be a low ball figure. Government programs always cost more than the initial estimates. Bernie Madoff would be so proud.
Health care proposals need to be cut down to the basic needs. Increase competition by allowing Americans to purchase insurance from any American based insurance company – NO cost to government. Make it illegal to refuse coverage because of a pre-existing condition – NO cost to government. Enact real tort reform – This will lower the cost of insurance at NO cost to government. Reasonably expand the eligibility for Medicaid and fund the mandates to states. This has a cost, but it is far less than the proposed trillion dollar bills.
Does Congress understand that this is a time to live within our means? Be responsible. The future of our children is at stake.
Signed,
The Electorate
Congress seems to want to fund this enormous program by cutting Medicare and raising taxes. Whether or not Congress is actually willing to cut Medicare, it is irresponsible for them to propose cutting Medicare by ten percent as more and more “baby bloomers” are entering the system. Increasing taxes in a struggling economy will only deepen and prolong the recession. Ask your constituents – the recession is not over.
The costs of the health care bills are not mathematically correct. Taxes and cuts will begin in 2010. The programs will not begin until 2013 and will not be fully implemented until 2017. Basically Americans are paying for this program for ten years and receiving about five years of benefits. Ten years of the program would cost twice the estimates. Even that would be a low ball figure. Government programs always cost more than the initial estimates. Bernie Madoff would be so proud.
Health care proposals need to be cut down to the basic needs. Increase competition by allowing Americans to purchase insurance from any American based insurance company – NO cost to government. Make it illegal to refuse coverage because of a pre-existing condition – NO cost to government. Enact real tort reform – This will lower the cost of insurance at NO cost to government. Reasonably expand the eligibility for Medicaid and fund the mandates to states. This has a cost, but it is far less than the proposed trillion dollar bills.
Does Congress understand that this is a time to live within our means? Be responsible. The future of our children is at stake.
Signed,
The Electorate
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Health Care: Cadillac Plans
Congress is considering funding health care reform by taxing what they refer to as Cadillac plans. Unfortunately, these Cadillac plans have now become Kia plans. Beginning in 2013, an excise tax of 40% would be levied on these plans. It would be applied to plans valued at $8000 for individuals and $21,000 for families. Most work health care plans would fall into this category and would be taxed at 40%. The cost of these plans would increase. Soon these plans could no longer be offered. Less expensive, inferior plans would be offered instead.
Is the purpose of health care reform to lower the quality of health care? Does Congress seek to eliminate the good, but not spectacular, health care plans that 85% of Americans now have only to replace them with cheaper, inferior plans that could be offered to a slightly larger segment of the population? Can not this country do better than that?
Pledges were made to maintain the quality of health care. Were these empty promises? Your vote will answer this question. When you next run for reelection will your slogan be “I support lousy health care for all”?
Is the purpose of health care reform to lower the quality of health care? Does Congress seek to eliminate the good, but not spectacular, health care plans that 85% of Americans now have only to replace them with cheaper, inferior plans that could be offered to a slightly larger segment of the population? Can not this country do better than that?
Pledges were made to maintain the quality of health care. Were these empty promises? Your vote will answer this question. When you next run for reelection will your slogan be “I support lousy health care for all”?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Paying for Health Care Reform
After all these months no one has found a good way to pay for a large health care reform bill. We can not borrow more for we are drowning in debt. The government’s uncontrolled spending has already trashed the dollar and has increased the strain on the already sagging economy. Few want to loan this country money anyway for we are a bad risk. If we print more money, the dollar will be further devalued. The only remaining way to fund an enormous spending bill is to raise taxes.
Raising taxes during a recession will only deepen and prolong the recession. Yet the latest health care proposal is filled with taxes and fines on individuals and corporations. Corporations will pass their taxes along to consumers in higher prices. Individuals can not pass along their taxes. We can not afford any more taxes. We are hanging on by our finger tips now.
Congress plans on increasing the number of people eligible for Medicaid. States are responsible for almost fifty percent of Medicaid’s cost. The federal government then only has half the cost of new benefits included in its projected costs. Isn’t this a neat bookkeeping trick? Of course, the people are still entirely responsible for all the costs, but it sounds better. These are UNFUNDED state mandates unless you live in Nevada, Oregon, Michigan, or Rhode Island. The federal government will pay their share of the new Medicaid costs. Apparently they are special.
Congress needs to scale back their plans for health care reform. Reform the obvious. Allow us to buy insurance across state lines to increase competition. Follow the Texas example and enact real tort reform. It has lowered costs there and will lower costs elsewhere. Make it illegal to deny health care insurance because of a pre-existing condition. These three items will not affect our budget. Then provide scholarships for primary care doctors and provide premium subsidies for those who truly can not pay for insurance. These last two items will have a cost - but will not cost the trillion dollars that other plans will. Do not punish citizens with higher taxes or push this country over the financial precipice by significantly increasing the national debt.
Raising taxes during a recession will only deepen and prolong the recession. Yet the latest health care proposal is filled with taxes and fines on individuals and corporations. Corporations will pass their taxes along to consumers in higher prices. Individuals can not pass along their taxes. We can not afford any more taxes. We are hanging on by our finger tips now.
Congress plans on increasing the number of people eligible for Medicaid. States are responsible for almost fifty percent of Medicaid’s cost. The federal government then only has half the cost of new benefits included in its projected costs. Isn’t this a neat bookkeeping trick? Of course, the people are still entirely responsible for all the costs, but it sounds better. These are UNFUNDED state mandates unless you live in Nevada, Oregon, Michigan, or Rhode Island. The federal government will pay their share of the new Medicaid costs. Apparently they are special.
Congress needs to scale back their plans for health care reform. Reform the obvious. Allow us to buy insurance across state lines to increase competition. Follow the Texas example and enact real tort reform. It has lowered costs there and will lower costs elsewhere. Make it illegal to deny health care insurance because of a pre-existing condition. These three items will not affect our budget. Then provide scholarships for primary care doctors and provide premium subsidies for those who truly can not pay for insurance. These last two items will have a cost - but will not cost the trillion dollars that other plans will. Do not punish citizens with higher taxes or push this country over the financial precipice by significantly increasing the national debt.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Destroying the Economy
We see the economy struggling to recover. As it does, Congress and the Administration continue to erect roadblocks that will prevent it. They seek to place more and more burdens on businesses - large and small. Small business is the engine of our economy. Normally small businesses create about 70% of our new jobs. Currently, small businesses are creating almost all of our new jobs. Big business is standing back waiting to see what basic rules the government will change next.
Government has turned the world upside down with its business take-overs and business controls. New and higher taxes are being purposed. More and more, the government is telling businesses what they can and cannot do. Cap + Trade will strangle businesses unless they are one of the select few who will wildly profit from it. Small businesses will be devastated. Health care mandates will damage businesses and Congress ignores the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not want a large invasive government run plan. We want a smaller, less expensive privately run plan. Government, however, likes large, expensive legislation that increases its size and power.
As the federal government taxes and spends, seeking to extend its control of our lives and livelihoods, it is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. If you destroy the economy, you are also destroying yourselves. Washington politicians remind me of the story of the frog and scorpion. The scorpion stings the frog even though he knows his actions will drown them both. When he was asked why he did it, he replied "It's the nature of a scorpion". It is the nature of politicians to seek more power and control even though they must know their greed will destroy the system that gives them their power.
Washington needs to control its nature and its urge to tax,spend, and increase its power and size. Can you think of the good of the country and be an American not a politician?
Signed,
The Electorate
Government has turned the world upside down with its business take-overs and business controls. New and higher taxes are being purposed. More and more, the government is telling businesses what they can and cannot do. Cap + Trade will strangle businesses unless they are one of the select few who will wildly profit from it. Small businesses will be devastated. Health care mandates will damage businesses and Congress ignores the fact that the vast majority of Americans do not want a large invasive government run plan. We want a smaller, less expensive privately run plan. Government, however, likes large, expensive legislation that increases its size and power.
As the federal government taxes and spends, seeking to extend its control of our lives and livelihoods, it is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. If you destroy the economy, you are also destroying yourselves. Washington politicians remind me of the story of the frog and scorpion. The scorpion stings the frog even though he knows his actions will drown them both. When he was asked why he did it, he replied "It's the nature of a scorpion". It is the nature of politicians to seek more power and control even though they must know their greed will destroy the system that gives them their power.
Washington needs to control its nature and its urge to tax,spend, and increase its power and size. Can you think of the good of the country and be an American not a politician?
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, July 13, 2009
Jobs and Small Businesses
To Congress:
The majority of new jobs comes from small businesses. If the growth of small businesses can be stimulated, new jobs would be created.
What is the best and most immediate way to accomplish this? Some have suggested using TARP funds for this. The TARP Bill stated that all returned funds would be applied to the national debt. It can not legally be used in this manner, nor would it be a good idea. Government money always comes with strings and government controls. If the government made loans to small businesses, the government would be able to control how this money was used. Other restrictions would most likely be added.
Small businesses know what would most help their businesses - not the government. Soon we would have thousands of mini GM's. They would, in effect, all be controlled by the government. No doubt a Small Business Czar would be appointed. We have enough bureaucracies. It has also been suggested that the government could guarantee small business loans. That didn't work very well with Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac.
The most EFFECTIVE way to stimulate the growth of small businesses is to lower their taxes. It is direct and immediate. No applications have to be filled out. No approval is needed. It would help all small businesses. Businesses could use this saved money in the way they know would most help their business. They know what they need. Most small businesses file taxes as individuals. Most new proposals would raise - not lower - their taxes. This would create job loss in a time we desperately need job growth. If Congress is concerned about the high rate of unemployment, it needs to address this by lowering small business taxes.
The majority of new jobs comes from small businesses. If the growth of small businesses can be stimulated, new jobs would be created.
What is the best and most immediate way to accomplish this? Some have suggested using TARP funds for this. The TARP Bill stated that all returned funds would be applied to the national debt. It can not legally be used in this manner, nor would it be a good idea. Government money always comes with strings and government controls. If the government made loans to small businesses, the government would be able to control how this money was used. Other restrictions would most likely be added.
Small businesses know what would most help their businesses - not the government. Soon we would have thousands of mini GM's. They would, in effect, all be controlled by the government. No doubt a Small Business Czar would be appointed. We have enough bureaucracies. It has also been suggested that the government could guarantee small business loans. That didn't work very well with Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac.
The most EFFECTIVE way to stimulate the growth of small businesses is to lower their taxes. It is direct and immediate. No applications have to be filled out. No approval is needed. It would help all small businesses. Businesses could use this saved money in the way they know would most help their business. They know what they need. Most small businesses file taxes as individuals. Most new proposals would raise - not lower - their taxes. This would create job loss in a time we desperately need job growth. If Congress is concerned about the high rate of unemployment, it needs to address this by lowering small business taxes.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Cap and Trade: Destroying an Economy
Constituents really want to believe that the members of Congress are all reasoning, intelligent people and that the welfare of the country is their top priority. Why in a deepening recession would any sensible, intelligent person vote for legislation that would dramatically increase the prices of all goods? Cap + Trade will do this. It can only result in more jobs cuts and further outsourcing of other jobs.
How can this help the economy? This country is on the brink of an economic disaster of unbelievable proportions. Congress should not be feeding the fire. Cap + Trade is economic suicide. Data shows it does very little to help the environment.
To accomplish little why are you seeking to destroy much? You will change a deep recession into a deep depression. Voting for Cap + Trade puts personal agenda before the good of the nation. I am appalled that any legislator would even consider a bill that includes Cap + Trade.
Signed,
The Electorate
How can this help the economy? This country is on the brink of an economic disaster of unbelievable proportions. Congress should not be feeding the fire. Cap + Trade is economic suicide. Data shows it does very little to help the environment.
To accomplish little why are you seeking to destroy much? You will change a deep recession into a deep depression. Voting for Cap + Trade puts personal agenda before the good of the nation. I am appalled that any legislator would even consider a bill that includes Cap + Trade.
Signed,
The Electorate
Friday, June 26, 2009
Please Vote Against the Energy Bill
To Congress,
Please do not vote for any energy bill that includes Cap + Trade.
Companies may pay this tax, but this tax will be passed along to us in much higher prices. Florida families and small businesses can not afford these government mandated higher prices. We are barely keeping our heads above water now.
Last year Florida polls showed that over 70% of Floridians supported the "all of the above" energy plan. We must develop new sources of energy, but we also must utilize current resources until these new sources are broadly available. We can't just squeak by using less until new sources are available. This would be economic suicide.
Signed,
The Electorate
Please do not vote for any energy bill that includes Cap + Trade.
Companies may pay this tax, but this tax will be passed along to us in much higher prices. Florida families and small businesses can not afford these government mandated higher prices. We are barely keeping our heads above water now.
Last year Florida polls showed that over 70% of Floridians supported the "all of the above" energy plan. We must develop new sources of energy, but we also must utilize current resources until these new sources are broadly available. We can't just squeak by using less until new sources are available. This would be economic suicide.
Signed,
The Electorate
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Taxing Health Care Benefits or Unions Are Special
From The Electorate:
Recently it was suggested that the federal government should tax health care benefits received at work as income, but that they should not tax the health care benefits of union workers. I thought that no one in Congress would actually be foolish enough to seriously propose this because it is so blatantly unfair.
I underestimated Congress.
Senator Max Baucus did just this. Is union influence so great that Congress would alienate the rest of the country just to appease the unions? Does Congress approve preferential treatment for political supporters? I would hate to think Congress can be bought and sold.
American citizens should be treated equally. No group should have special rights.
Recently it was suggested that the federal government should tax health care benefits received at work as income, but that they should not tax the health care benefits of union workers. I thought that no one in Congress would actually be foolish enough to seriously propose this because it is so blatantly unfair.
I underestimated Congress.
Senator Max Baucus did just this. Is union influence so great that Congress would alienate the rest of the country just to appease the unions? Does Congress approve preferential treatment for political supporters? I would hate to think Congress can be bought and sold.
American citizens should be treated equally. No group should have special rights.
Vote Against Cap and Trade
To Congress and the Public:
Soon Congress will be voting on an energy bill. I ask you to vote against any bill that includes Cap + Trade. It will have almost no effect on the environment - scientific data backs this up - but will have a devastating effect on the economy and the American people. It will increase federal revenue and make billions for the companies administering the plan, but it will do so on the backs of the American people - of all incomes.
This is a GAS TAX and an ELECTRIC TAX.
This tax may be paid by companies using fossil fuels, but we all know who will eventually pay this tax. It will be paid by people who need gas to drive to work and electricity to heat or cool their homes. It will be paid by people who need food to eat or clothes to wear. Cap + Trade will dramatically increase the prices of all these items. When costs go up, prices go up. We can not go out and buy new more fuel efficient cars. We can't afford to do this. "Cash for Clunkers" only pays for a fraction of the car. We can not afford the remaining cost.
Why is Congress encouraging us to go further in debt?
Please vote against any bill containing Cap + Trade. Do not place this further burden on the American public.
Signed,
The Electorate
Soon Congress will be voting on an energy bill. I ask you to vote against any bill that includes Cap + Trade. It will have almost no effect on the environment - scientific data backs this up - but will have a devastating effect on the economy and the American people. It will increase federal revenue and make billions for the companies administering the plan, but it will do so on the backs of the American people - of all incomes.
This is a GAS TAX and an ELECTRIC TAX.
This tax may be paid by companies using fossil fuels, but we all know who will eventually pay this tax. It will be paid by people who need gas to drive to work and electricity to heat or cool their homes. It will be paid by people who need food to eat or clothes to wear. Cap + Trade will dramatically increase the prices of all these items. When costs go up, prices go up. We can not go out and buy new more fuel efficient cars. We can't afford to do this. "Cash for Clunkers" only pays for a fraction of the car. We can not afford the remaining cost.
Why is Congress encouraging us to go further in debt?
Please vote against any bill containing Cap + Trade. Do not place this further burden on the American public.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, June 22, 2009
Against Cap and Trade
American Solutions has a new commercial in the effort to stop the Cap and Trade bill that is being pushed through Congress.
The Markey-Waxman “Cap-and-trade” Energy Tax bill, in the current
form being considered by the House Energy and Commerce committee, would
have the following catastrophic effects by 2035:
- Reduce aggregate gross domestic product (GDP) by $9.6 trillion annually;
- Destroy 1,105,000 American jobs per year on average, with peak years seeing unemployment rise by over 2,479,000 jobs;
- Raise electricity rates 90 percent after adjusting for inflation;
- Raise inflation-adjusted gasoline prices by 74 percent;
- Raise residential natural gas prices by 55 percent;
- Raise an average family's annual energy bill by $1,500 annually; and
- Increase inflation-adjusted federal debt by 26 percent, or $29,150 additional federal debt per person, again after adjusting for inflation.
Facts from: Heritage Foundation
If you want to donate to American Solutions to help get the ad on the air, click here.
Signed,
Daughter of the Electorate
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Cap and Trade is a bad idea
To Congress,
Including Cap + Trade in the Energy Bill would be a gigantic mistake. It would have a massive negative effect on our struggling economy. It places a tax on companies that use carbon fuel. This tax will be passed down to consumers in higher prices. The cost of gas and electricity would increase by at least 50%. The cost of other goods and services would increase because of their dependence on the same items. The economic effect would be dire.
Cap + Trade would only have a negligible effect on the environment. If we could wave a magic wand and overnight eliminate the use of carbon based fuels in the United States, it would only lower the carbon in the atmosphere by a fraction of one percent. We are not the main polluters. We would devastate our economy while accomplishing virtually nothing. Cap + Trade will dramatically harm this country.
Signed,
The Electorate
Including Cap + Trade in the Energy Bill would be a gigantic mistake. It would have a massive negative effect on our struggling economy. It places a tax on companies that use carbon fuel. This tax will be passed down to consumers in higher prices. The cost of gas and electricity would increase by at least 50%. The cost of other goods and services would increase because of their dependence on the same items. The economic effect would be dire.
Cap + Trade would only have a negligible effect on the environment. If we could wave a magic wand and overnight eliminate the use of carbon based fuels in the United States, it would only lower the carbon in the atmosphere by a fraction of one percent. We are not the main polluters. We would devastate our economy while accomplishing virtually nothing. Cap + Trade will dramatically harm this country.
Signed,
The Electorate
Monday, June 15, 2009
Continuing on the Health Care Theme
From June 8, 2009:
Congress is considering more middle class taxes. Before the elections, candidates promised not to raise taxes on the middle class. Now thy propose taxing health benefits from work as income. This will increase our taxes by approximately two thousand dollars a year. We cannot afford more taxes. We are struggling to keep our heads above water now. Don't pile more taxes on our shoulders. When we go under, you will too.
There is a big difference between want and need. Congress wants a massive health care plan that will eventually cover everyone. What Congress needs is a plan - preferably within private plans and supplemented by government financial help for lower incomes - for the 16% who are uninsured. Not only do we not want the government involved in our medical decisions, but we can't afford the tax increases that would be required to pay for this all inclusive government health care plan.
From June 9, 2009:
84% of Americans have health care insurance and 16% do not. Do you really think that the 84% want a government run plan? Any government run plans has to contain rationing, since there are not enough health care providers. Do you think the 84% want to wait months to see a doctor? Do they want government bureaucrat to determine what treatment they are allowed to have or, even worse, the treatment they are denied because it is not deemed "cost effective?"
The stimulus bill set up a committee that would determine what treatment is cost effective. The cost of treatment would be divided by the number of years the patient could benefit from it. Do you think the 84% want the government to determine what treatment they are allowed; what doctor they see; or, what medicine they take? Do you think the 84% want the government to make their life and death decisions?
Obviously, the answer is a resounding NO. We also don't want our benefits to be taxed to provide the benefits for the 16%. We can't afford our current taxes?
From June 10, 2009:
Please do not create a massive government run health care plan. We already have Medicaid and Medicare and cannot afford them. They are, at best, inferior plans filled with billing corruptions, limited treatments and medications, an subjective decisions by bureaucrats. They demonstrate how a national government health care plan would work - badly. Only 16% of Americans do not have health care insurance. Create a plan within the private sector to insure these citizens. The government could supplement insurance payments for those whose income meets a certain criteria. Do not create a one size fits all government run plan and do not tax health care benefits as income to try to force us into that plan.
Congress is considering more middle class taxes. Before the elections, candidates promised not to raise taxes on the middle class. Now thy propose taxing health benefits from work as income. This will increase our taxes by approximately two thousand dollars a year. We cannot afford more taxes. We are struggling to keep our heads above water now. Don't pile more taxes on our shoulders. When we go under, you will too.
There is a big difference between want and need. Congress wants a massive health care plan that will eventually cover everyone. What Congress needs is a plan - preferably within private plans and supplemented by government financial help for lower incomes - for the 16% who are uninsured. Not only do we not want the government involved in our medical decisions, but we can't afford the tax increases that would be required to pay for this all inclusive government health care plan.
From June 9, 2009:
84% of Americans have health care insurance and 16% do not. Do you really think that the 84% want a government run plan? Any government run plans has to contain rationing, since there are not enough health care providers. Do you think the 84% want to wait months to see a doctor? Do they want government bureaucrat to determine what treatment they are allowed to have or, even worse, the treatment they are denied because it is not deemed "cost effective?"
The stimulus bill set up a committee that would determine what treatment is cost effective. The cost of treatment would be divided by the number of years the patient could benefit from it. Do you think the 84% want the government to determine what treatment they are allowed; what doctor they see; or, what medicine they take? Do you think the 84% want the government to make their life and death decisions?
Obviously, the answer is a resounding NO. We also don't want our benefits to be taxed to provide the benefits for the 16%. We can't afford our current taxes?
From June 10, 2009:
Please do not create a massive government run health care plan. We already have Medicaid and Medicare and cannot afford them. They are, at best, inferior plans filled with billing corruptions, limited treatments and medications, an subjective decisions by bureaucrats. They demonstrate how a national government health care plan would work - badly. Only 16% of Americans do not have health care insurance. Create a plan within the private sector to insure these citizens. The government could supplement insurance payments for those whose income meets a certain criteria. Do not create a one size fits all government run plan and do not tax health care benefits as income to try to force us into that plan.
Government run health care
From a letter sent June 11, 2009.
To Congress,
Expanding government run health care plans is a terrible idea. The government plans we already have offer inferior care and are inefficiently run. I do not object to helping legal residents of this country who can not afford health care insurance - within private plans. However a massive, all inclusive government run program will destroy the private health care system. They can not long compete with a government supplemented plan.
Congress wants to tax undesired behavior - obtaining health insurance at work. The president says that businesses could use the money they save by not offering a health care plan in a better manner; so, businesses will be encouraged not to offer health care. Eventually everyone will be forced into the massive, inferior, rationed government health care plan. This is about power and control and is a really bad, bad deal for the American public. It puts government in control of our "unalienable right" to life, since government would control our right to life saving treatment.
Signed,
The Electorate
To Congress,
Expanding government run health care plans is a terrible idea. The government plans we already have offer inferior care and are inefficiently run. I do not object to helping legal residents of this country who can not afford health care insurance - within private plans. However a massive, all inclusive government run program will destroy the private health care system. They can not long compete with a government supplemented plan.
Congress wants to tax undesired behavior - obtaining health insurance at work. The president says that businesses could use the money they save by not offering a health care plan in a better manner; so, businesses will be encouraged not to offer health care. Eventually everyone will be forced into the massive, inferior, rationed government health care plan. This is about power and control and is a really bad, bad deal for the American public. It puts government in control of our "unalienable right" to life, since government would control our right to life saving treatment.
Signed,
The Electorate
Proposed Taxes
From a letter sent May 29, 2009.
Congress is considering new taxes on the lower and middle classes. They are considering taxing medical benefits as income. Cap + Trade is an enormous tax on gas and electricity. The price of gas and utility bills will increase by a minimum of 50%. There will be a domino effect and the cost of other goods and services will also increase. A value added tax is being considered. This is nothing but a national sales tax placed on goods before purchase. This tax will not effect the rich, but will really hurt the lower and middle classes. It will effect what and how much we can buy. This will really lower the consumer confidence level.
The problem is not that taxes are too low. The problem is that Congress is spending too much. Income tax revenue is down by one-third. China does want to lend us anymore money. The Fed has already printed too much money that is not backed. Taxing the rich is not bringing in enough revenue. Congress, however, has all these nifty new ideas that they really, really want to try. That is why Congress is considering these new taxes that are directed at the lower and middle classes - even though it will further hurt our faltering economy. Put the country FIRST and forget ideologies. NO new taxes. Curb your spending as everyone else has been forced to do. Be responsible.
Congress is considering new taxes on the lower and middle classes. They are considering taxing medical benefits as income. Cap + Trade is an enormous tax on gas and electricity. The price of gas and utility bills will increase by a minimum of 50%. There will be a domino effect and the cost of other goods and services will also increase. A value added tax is being considered. This is nothing but a national sales tax placed on goods before purchase. This tax will not effect the rich, but will really hurt the lower and middle classes. It will effect what and how much we can buy. This will really lower the consumer confidence level.
The problem is not that taxes are too low. The problem is that Congress is spending too much. Income tax revenue is down by one-third. China does want to lend us anymore money. The Fed has already printed too much money that is not backed. Taxing the rich is not bringing in enough revenue. Congress, however, has all these nifty new ideas that they really, really want to try. That is why Congress is considering these new taxes that are directed at the lower and middle classes - even though it will further hurt our faltering economy. Put the country FIRST and forget ideologies. NO new taxes. Curb your spending as everyone else has been forced to do. Be responsible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)