Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Non-paying taxpayers
Millions of income-tax filers in America do not have federal income tax liability. After credits and deductions are taken, 45.6 million or one-third of all filers pay zero federal income tax, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
The nonpartisan Tax Foundation in Washington D.C. has just released the results of its 2009 nationwide survey on attitudes of American taxpayers. The survey was conducted between February 18 and 27, 2009 among 2,002 adults (aged 18 or older). The Tax Foundation asked taxpayers if it was fair that so many Americans pay Uncle Sam nothing.
Two-thirds, 66 percent, responded that everyone should pay a minimum amount of tax to help fund the federal government. Only 19 percent believe it is fair that some do not pay any taxes. During 2007, the last time the Tax Foundation conducted its survey, 24 percent thought it was fair that some taxpayers fail to have any tax liability.
Almost three-fourths of adults 55 years and older, 73 percent think that everyone should be required to pay some minimum amount of tax, and 56 percent of those 18-34 years of age agree.
Taxpayers with incomes of $75,000 and above, 72 percent believe it is unfair that millions have no tax liability. For those with incomes of $35,000 and less, it drops to 58 percent.
The Tax Foundation asked a new question in its 2009 survey about redistribution of wealth. A little over half, 52 percent support a higher tax on higher wage earners, 31 percent oppose. The question posed was very general: “Would you support or oppose the government redistributing wealth by a much higher income tax on high income earners?”
The Tax Foundation concludes that the issue of the redistribution of wealth is definitely polarizing.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.