Obama budget resurrects rejected tax increases

Source: STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

Obama budget resurrects rejected tax increases

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama's budget proposal resurrects a series of tax increases that were largely ignored by Congress when Democrats controlled both chambers. Republicans, who now control the House, are signaling they will be even less receptive.

The plan unveiled Monday includes tax increases for oil, gas and coal producers, investment managers and U.S.-based multinational corporations. The plan would allow Bush-era tax cuts to expire at the end of 2012 for individuals making more than $200,000 and married couples making more than $250,000. Wealthy taxpayers would have their itemized deductions limited, including deductions for mortgage interest, charitable contributions and state and local taxes.

"These policies were unfair and unaffordable when enacted and remain so today," Obama said in his budget message.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110214/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_taxes

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I support these Tax Increases

way over time that we tax churches!

1. They are generally supported by donations from their members and don't seek profits.
2. They already pay property taxes and FICA employee taxes.
3. They provide public service (regardless of whether certain individuals appreciate those services) and do charitable work.

I'm not talking just churches - all religious organizations. If they are taxed, all non-profits should be taxed. I have a problem with more than a few religious organizations, but unless they engage in political activities, they should be treated like any other not-for-profit.

"Tax-Free Land: Exemptions from property taxes represent an even larger benefit to churches — there may be as much as $100 billion dollars in untaxed church property in the United States. This creates a problem, according to some, because the tax exemption amounts to a gift of money to the churches at the expense of tax payers. For every dollar which the government cannot collect on church property, it must make up for by collecting it from citizens; thus all citizens are forced to indirectly support churches, even those they do not belong to and may even oppose."

http://atheism.about.com/od/churchestaxexemptions/a/churchexemption.htm

technically there is nothing that is stopping you from starting an atheist "church" and not paying those taxes either.

The Washington (DC) Ethical Society (a society of freethinkers) has not paid property taxes since the 1960s. It went to SCOTUS even...as long as it acts, functions and identifies itself as a church, it qualifies for religious exception and the basis or content of its' beliefs may not be considered. (They do have to hold "services" though...I've considered going just out of curiosity since I moved to DC.)

I am cynical enough to believe even Obama knows they aren't going to happen and they are included in his budget just as a "sweetening" to his horrible cuts on the backs of the poor. He is a very smart man, if the last Congress couldn't get them, how in blue blazes does any one, with half a brain think they are going to happen now?

Especially for "Hedge Fund Managers" and Corporations to Outsource jobs overseas

Tax Loopholes for Hedgefund Managers and Corporations that Outsource Jobs Overseas.

a year. So why shouldn't oil, gas and coal producers, investment managers and U.S.-based multinational corporations also get a tax increase? I pay my fair share they should too.

IRS, accountant, etc) who told you your taxes were going up, or someone with an issue with Obama? Alternatively, did you lose a major deduction (kid leaving home, mortgage interest dropped, etc.)?

I still remember filing - Single, Head of Household, with 3 Dependents with an annual income of around 40K and paying well over 20% in Taxes

Now I file - Married filing jointly, 2 jobs, with 1 dependent with an annual income of 150K and paying Much Less then 20%

buy the things that result in deductions - mortgages, college tuition, state income taxes, etc. It's something for the more fortunate of us to keep in mind during the upcoming discussions about cleaning up the tax code. I don't want to lose my deductions, but it's only fair that I pay more than someone who has less than me.

If Obama really wanted these, he would have sent them to the Democrat controlled House.

NOW, he can do it without fear they will actually pass.
If History can be used as a predictor,
Obama will "compromise" all these away in a Bi-partisan Love Fest with the Republicans,
and then we will be treated to the usual excuses:

"We really tried, but didn't have the votes.":cry:

"Its ALL Joe Lieberman's fault."

This is historic reform that will save our children"..( doesn't have to make sense, just sound like they care about children).

"This is the most progressive budget in 40 years."

"Its ALL the obstructionist Republicans would give us.":cry:

"This is sensible & pragmatic."

"This is really a huge VICTORY for the White House because it puts the ball in the Republican's court."

"You didn't listen during the campaign. Obama is fulfilling promises."

"Thank Gawd. Obama got us a crumb. Thats more than you would get from Palin"

"This is a step in the right direction."

"We can fix it later."

Blue Link to Nowhere

"Yadda, yadda, yadda"



"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans."
---Paul Wellstone


"By their works you will know them."

The DINOs wouldn't let them through.

...when the Progressive Caucus balked at approving Obama's request for MORE War Money in 2008,
he played hardball,
and managed to "find" the votes.

White House Threats to Progressive Congressmen
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/06/17-5

Obama fought his way to the TOP in CHICAGO.
he KNOWS how to get what he really wants.
It is naive to think otherwise.

The President and Leader of the Democratic Party is such a weak position.
He has no power or influence over who gets Party money, access, or funding for local projects.
He can't help or with hold help during elections.

I agree.
Obama is just a wimp where the conservative Democrats are concerned.
All he can do is dance to their tune.



"There are forces within the Democratic Party who want us to sound like kinder, gentler Republicans."
---Paul Wellstone


By their works, you will know them."

We may detest the "blue dogs", but we need them.
If the party doesn't support them, they switch parties or they lose
to insane teabaggers.

My daughter and her husband made less this year and paid more. How that can be is beyond me. I wish they would reform the tax code but the problem is that we have no one to trust to do it.

if Obama agrees to shut down the government and drop nukes on San Francisco