Economic Policy Advisory Committee.

[TeePee4Prez]

Ben this is my suggestion...

www.fairtax.org

Stop the IRS, NOW!

Ehh, NO!!!  I'd definitely like to be on this committee.

[TeePee4Prez]

Here's my postion on taxes as stated before:

There seems to be a lot of animosity regarding this issue.  Of course I want more money in my pocket, but when there'a a deficit, tax cuts are a bottom priority.  I also feel the cuts were skewed largely to the top brackets (namely top BRACKET) being from 39.6 TO 35% while smaller groups got a much smaller margin.  Newsweek did an escellent articel on this and said that someone getting a million dollars would essentially get a brand new BMW every year.  

Another crock of BS are the reductions in capital gains and dividends (though I have a proposal on that).  Why should "unearned" income be taxed less than "earned" income.  One argument I can give to the GOP regarding dividends is the concept of "double taxation" and they're very right.  My solution would be instead of a corporate tax a retained earnings tax of say 15% flat while dividends and capital gains will be taxed at the individual's marginal rate.  I know I've championed progressive taxation in previous posts, but some firms are much greater than others and employ a lot of people.  I feel this is a fair and balanced proposal helping business and making sure executives pay their dues.

Another one is the estate tax.  I feel it should not be eliminated, but the exemption should be MUCH hihger and indexed to inflation to say $3-5 million for now.  A lot of upper middle class estates fall into this category and this was only meant to supermillionaires.

Lastly, the AMT is wrongly targeting the middle class.  Higher income individuals somehow dodge this burden; however, middle class taxpayers especially in high local income tax ares like most of the NE Corridor get trapped into this.  The exemption also needs to be fixed on this one as well.  

[TeePee4Prez]

Welfare Reform-

Our system should be a "hand up" not a "hand out".  There are many people that need welfare because of disability, but our current system creates a system of cyclical dependency.  There needs to be  less direct payments to recipients and more to job training and public works projects where suitable private industry jobs can not be found.  There still should be a system in place, due to economic uncertainties.  However, there should be initiatives taken to reduce what I call a "cyclical dependency".  These are the people who think that government handouts are a way of life.  Some people have no concept of what it is like to go and work for a living and their children follow suit.  Some of these people are given housing vouchers via Section 8 and they show their appreciation to their working neighbors by drinking 40s, smoking weed, and causing noise late in the night.  Here are some of my proposals in a nutshell:

 - Evaluate true need vs. laziness on a case by case  
   basis.  Time limits are insensitive.
 - Section 8 shall have no more than 8 tenants per 1/8X1/8 mile (two Philly blocks) area
  - Neighbors have a hotline to call to complain about unruly tenants.
  - Unnannounced inspections of Section 8 properties
  - "Three Strikes" and you're out regarding Section 8.  If there are such things as noise violations or drug problems by tenants recorded by police, the tenant is to be evicted.    

Hope I'm not too harsh..  From experience they're needed!