20/20's Take on Prediction Markets
Andrew Roth
Good video via Midas Oracle:
More About 'Freedomchusetts'
Andrew Roth
I received this great email from a blog reader who saw my blog post about how an income tax repeal measure might go on the November ballot in Massachusetts.
Hi, thanks for the article. I am a lifelong MA resident.
Some history: it was the Dukakis administration that "temporarily" raised the MA income tax from 5% to 5.95% (don't dare call it six). Unsurprisingly, the temporary tax became permanent. The rate stayed at 5.95 for a decade or two, long after The Duke was gone.
We were finally given the chance to vote on whether the income tax should return to where it belonged, at five percent. The overwhelming vote: YES. But the state decided to do this in stages, gradually lowering the tax each year. And after a couple years, they decided to halt the rollback at 5.3% -- without a vote from the public.
This really annoyed everyone. Our wishes had been delayed, then denied.
So recently, groups have been putting this other referendum on the ballot -- to eliminate the income tax completely. It nearly passed last time, and probably stands a better chance this time. But we all know it is symbolic. But I think we appreciate the chance to tell the MA state government two things: we are sick of these taxes, and sick of being overruled.
Another group managed to get the MA state income tax form altered. There is now a box you can check to volunteer to pay higher taxes -- 5.8% instead of 5.3%. Of the millions of forms filed each year, only a couple hundred people check the box. And apparently they have a sense of humor, because their tax bill is zero, and don't mind the higher percentage!
The point of the altered form, of course, is to show that no one wants to pay higher MA income taxes. It's another small protest.
In my opinion, the people of MA are largely sane, and unwilling to be ripped off by their government. Where they fail is that they continuously re-elect their state representatives. Our legislature is 95% Democrat. I cannot explain their failure to see this insanity.
Thanks for telling me of another small government group to support.
And here's another email I received:
I seldom donate money to political movements, but I sent a donation to the group trying to repeal the income tax. There is no effort in this state to control spending, either at the local or state level. I'm afraid, however, that even if this does pass, they'll find another way to tax us. For some reason, the people of the state recognize that taxes are too high, but they won't vote out the politicians who keep them high.
David Pinto
Don Young Votes for Tax Hike
Press Release
Another Week, Another Tax Hike From Don Young
Washington – As if Don Young’s proposal to raises the gas tax last week wasn’t sufficiently hostile to taxpayers, today, the Alaskan voted for the absurdly named “Patriot Tax” in the war supplemental. The amendment is an unambiguous income tax increase, imposing a 0.5% surcharge on gross income on earnings over $500,000 a year or $1 million for a couple.
Without a doubt, this tax increase will prove harmful to the economy, stifling innovation, productivity, and job growth. To make matters worse, the tax will be especially harmful on small businesses whose owners often file their business income on their individual tax returns. In fact, the Tax Foundation reports that almost 83% of all income tax returns with over $1 million in income are business owners. A tax that is supposedly on the rich will in fact hurt everyone.
“Don Young’s disregard for taxpayers is truly stunning,” said Club for Growth President Pat Toomey. “This new tax penalizes hard work, will hurt productivity and job growth, and removes more money from the private sector during challenging economic times. Next time, Rep. Young claims to fight for taxpayers, ask him why he votes to fleece more of their money.”
“We commend President Bush for his planned veto of the war supplemental, and urge all members of Congress to think about the detrimental effect of this tax increase when it comes time to sustain the president’s veto.”
PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
32 Tax Hikers in the GOP
Andrew Roth
The House just voted on the war supplemental. One amendment to the bill would raise taxes by 1/2 percent on people making over $500,000 a year (a lot of small business whose owners probably don't consider themselves rich file their business income on their individual tax return). The Democrats had the gall to call it the "Patriot Tax."
The amendment passed, 256-166, with an astounding 32 Republicans voting for it. Click here to see who they are.
The Porker of the Month...
Andrew Roth
...is Sen. Chuck Schumer.
50 Years Early -- 'Face in the Crowd' Nails Politics
David Keating
We watched "Face in the Crowd" last weekend, and there is an absolutely stunning line spoken 50 years ago, transcribed here by the Village Voice.
"Instead of long-winded public debates, the people want capsule slogans: 'Time for a change!' 'The mess in Washington!' 'More bang for a buck!' Punch lines and glamour!"
Or, as the Voice noted, "government by sound bite and photo op."
I was amazed to see how prescient this black and white film was, and in fact stopped the DVD in its track to repeat that line for the kids and wonder in amazement at how relevant it was to today's presidential campaign. One YouTuber even made a funny video with a collage of the candidates "singing" David Bowie's "Changes."
The movie features an incredible performance by Andy Griffith, whose Lonesome Rhodes character is, shall we say, nothing like the Sheriff of Mayberry. There is a great cameo by Mike Wallace, playing himself.
After watching it, it's ironic that Griffith endorsed one of the Democratic candidates for NC Governor in the primary this year in a TV spot where he played like the retired sheriff of Mayberry.
For you political junkies out there who have not seen this film, rent it before November if you can.
The Senate Passes the Farm Bill
Andrew Roth
It wasn't even close, 81-15. Here are the 15 "no" voters.
Bennett (R-UT)
Coburn (R-OK)
Collins (R-ME)
DeMint (R-SC)
Domenici (R-NM)
Ensign (R-NV)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hagel (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lugar (R-IN)
Murkowski (R-AK)
Reed (D-RI)
Sununu (R-NH)
Voinovich (R-OH)
Whitehouse (D-RI)
The Greatest Wealth-Creating Film of All Time?
Andrew Roth
Nobel Laureate economist Robert Mundell offers a suggestion, which is rather morbid.
Thursday's Daily News
Andrew Roth
THE DAILY NEWS
The Republican Panic - Wall Street Journal Editorial
Farm Bill: Harvest Of Shame - IBD Editorial
Farm Bill is a Wasted Opportunity - Los Angeles Times Editorial
Gutierrez: China, U.S. Must Avoid Protectionism - Jason Subler, The Guardian
Georgia Enacts New School Choice Program - Rob Bluey, Heritage
The Flawed Assumptions of the Recessionistas - Jerry Bowyer, NRO
McCain Joins Global Warming Cult - Cal Thomas, Real Clear Politics
Capitalism Retardant Asbestos Suits - James Wylie, Washington Post
House GOP Points Fingers After Loss - Bresnahan & O'Connor, The Politico
Stormy Weather Ahead - National Review Editorial
Cubs 8, Padres 5 - Associated Press
The 35 Largest U.S. Private Companies
Andrew Roth
Fortune has the list. I've got a huge beef with #3. How exactly is the USPS a private company?
Should We Call It 'Freedomchusetts' Now?
Andrew Roth
I don't know what I like more about this article. The fact that Massachusetts citizens are pushing for a repeal of the income tax, or the fact that bureaucrats are going bonkers with the prospect that they might succeed. From the Boston Globe:
A group of antitax activists launched a campaign over the weekend to abolish the state income tax, setting the stage for a contentious public battle if the measure is added to the ballot this fall.
After pushing a similar initiative that almost passed six years ago, a group called the Committee for Small Government is back for another round, asking voters to end the income tax and save the average taxpayer $3,600 a year. The group, led by libertarian Carla Howell, is almost certain to gather the 11,000 signatures needed to put a question on the November ballot.
To say that state officials are worried about the prospect would be an understatement.
Community, political, and business officials are grasping for words such as "chaos," "devastating," and "catastrophe" to describe the scenario that would unfold if the measure passes.
Are there any Club members in Massachusetts who can give me the local scoop on this? Send me an email at aroth@clubforgrowth.org (please assume that I'll publish your comments on the blog).
HT: Ben Cunningham
UPDATE: Club member Matt Szekley writes:
The article makes a key point - I already voted to restore the old 5% income tax rate a while back, but ...
"In 2002, lawmakers halted a gradual income tax rollback approved by voters two years earlier, prompting howls that they were bucking an edict from the populace."
This time I have voted - with my feet. My wife and I moved from Massachusetts to Texas. I filed my last MA income tax return ever in April. Good riddance!
New Earmark Scandal (Yet Again)?
Andrew Roth
Rep. Rob Andrews (NJ-01) has dished out more than $2 million to his wife's employer since 2001.
Letters to the WSJ Editor
Andrew Roth
Below are two letters published in the Wall Street Journal in response to Club President Pat Toomey's op-ed from last week.
Are RINOs an Endangered Species?
May 15, 2008; Page A16
Pat Toomey could not be more to the point in "In Defense of RINO Hunting" (op-ed, May 8). The GOP got beaten in 2006 because it was "not Republican enough" as opposed to "too Republican." There is no reason to vote for Republicans if they won't vote for lower taxes, entitlement reform, constructionist judges, small government, school vouchers and against farm subsidies, campaign finance "reform," pork and the recent $150 billion economic stimulus package, just to name a few issues.
The GOP missed a monumental opportunity to reform Social Security after 2004. Instead of taking advantage of the majority at all levels, it wilted upon the first AARP attack ad, a decision that will come back to haunt us. Why are we surprised we're losing?
Mr. Toomey's criticism of party leaders supporting Republicans In Name Only is justified. Case in point: President Bush's support for Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter in his primary race against Mr. Toomey himself. All we got for that was the confirmation of justices John Roberts and Sam Alito who were shoo-ins anyway. Mr. Toomey and the Club for Growth deserve all the support in their battle to put the GOP back in the GOP.
Michiel van der Voort
New York
I'm with Mr. Toomey on this: The GOP has suffered losses "under a political strategy devoid of principle." The recipe for a successful conservative is one who has a long-range plan while assessing and addressing short-term needs. Had the U.S. had comprehensive energy and environmental plans in place -- and had the architects of the Iraq war looked down the road instead of just to the end of the driveway -- the country would be in much better shape today.
Bob August
Tennessee Coordinator
Republicans for Environmental Protection
Nashville, Tenn.
Club Condemns Farm Bill
Press Release
Club for Growth Condemns Farm Bill Vote
Washington – With the passage of the Farm Bill today in the House of Representatives, 218 Democrats and 100 Republicans told the American people they care more about shoveling money at the special interests than saving taxpayers’ hard-earned money.
“Congress should be embarrassed when such a large majority votes to throw taxpayer dollars at millionaire farmers, increase subsidy payments at a time of record-high crop prices; and give special tax breaks to horse racers,” said Club for Growth President. “If members of Congress are trying to figure out why their approval ratings are in the gutter, they should open up the mammoth Farm Bill and start reading.”
Every member of Congress who voted for the Farm Bill voted to support such egregious measures as:
- Subsidies to millionaire farmers without a hard, meaningful cap on a farmer’s qualifying income
- The elimination of key limits on annual commodity payments
- Spending gimmicks that disguise over $10 billion in spending increases
- An increase in subsidy rates despite sky-high crop prices and record farm incomes
- Direct payments for crops that are not based on a farmer’s income, crop prices, or any standard of need
- The creation of a new, permanent disaster aid program, creating incentives to grow the wrong crops on bad land in bad weather
- Tax breaks for special interests like race horse owners and timber companies
“The Republican Party should be especially embarrassed,” Mr. Toomey continued. “When more than half the party votes for the Farm Bill, it becomes awfully hard to convince the American people that Republicans care about fiscal responsibility.”
The House Passes the Farm Bill
Andrew Roth
They passed it by a veto-proof majority, 318-106.
Republican leadership was split, which is emblematic of the party's vision for the future:
GOP Leader Boehner: NO
GOP Whip Blunt: YES
Conference Chair Putnam: YES
Conference Vice-Chair Granger: NO
Policy Chairman McCotter: YES
Conference Secretary Carter: YES
NRCC Chairman Cole: YES
Chief Deputy Whip Cantor: NO
HOUSE Key Vote Alert - 'Patriot Tax'
Key Vote Alert
KEY VOTE ALERT
"NO" on Domestic Spending Amendment to the Fiscal 2008 War Supplemental (Amdt. 3)
The Club for Growth urges all House members to vote "NO" on the domestic spending amendment (Amdt. 3) to the war supplemental. This key vote will be part of our 2008 Congressional Scorecard.
The amendment has several provisions that are anti-growth. It extends unemployment benefits and prevents cost-cutting Medicare rules from being implemented. However, the most troublesome provision is the absurdly named "Patriot Tax", which is a 0.5% surcharge on gross income on earnings over $500,000 a year or $1 million for a couple. The rate increase is higher than it appears, as deductions are taxed too.
This tax is anti-growth and will destroy jobs, pure and simple. It will lead to higher and higher income tax rates as Congress would likely keep adding such increases for other new spending. The tax will be especially harmful on small businesses whose owners sometimes file their business income on their individual tax return. In fact, the Tax Foundation reports (PDF) that almost 83% of all income tax returns with over $1 million in income are business owners. This tax will stifle innovation and job growth and should be vigorously opposed.
Our Congressional Scorecard for the 110th Congress provides a comprehensive rating of how well or how poorly each member of Congress supports pro-growth, free-market policies and will be distributed to our members and to the public.
Headline of the Day
Andrew Roth
"Michigan's revenue will decrease, budget experts predict" -- The Detroit Free Press
But wait, I thought Michigan's wise leaders raised taxes last year, but now tax revenue is expected to go down? What are the odds that the wise leaders will raises taxes again to make up the new budget shortfall?
Doug Ose's Extreme Makeover
Press Release
Doug Ose’s Extreme Makeover—Political Edition
Washington – In today’s Sacramento Bee, former Rep. Doug Ose is trying to hide his liberal voting record. When Ose represented California’s Third Congressional District in Congress, his liberal record consistently ranked him in the bottom half of the Republican Caucus (see NTU scores). Now that Ose is running in the conservative Fourth District, he is trying to spin a conservative image out of whole cloth.
Sorry Doug, the congressional record doesn’t lie.
Doug Ose consistently voted for wasteful projects, increased government spending, new regulations, bigger government, and even taxes on the Internet. These include:
- Mohair subsidies (RC #383, 07/11/00)
- Pork projects like wood research (RC #160, 05/26/99), peanut competitiveness (RC #161, 05/26/99), and asparagus research (RC #360, 06/29/00)
- Opposition to school choice (RC #135, 05/23/01)
- Taxes on the Internet (RC #155, 05/10/00)
- McCain-Feingold, trampling on political free speech (RC #34, 02/14/02)
- The bloated 2002 Farm Bill that doled out taxpayer-funded subsidies to millionaire farmers, including Doug Ose himself (RC #123, 05/02/02)
- The 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug Bill, creating a brand new government entitlement program (RC #669, 11/22/03)
“Doug Ose is spending millions of dollars trying to make over his liberal voting record and attacking his conservative challenger Tom McClintock,” said Club for Growth Executive Director David Keating. “There is just one problem with this plan—voters in California’s Fourth Congressional District know Doug Ose’s liberal record and have watched Tom McClintock fight for lower taxes and limited government for years. Sorry Doug, all the money in the world can’t cover up the truth.”
PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
Keating on the Radio
Andrew Roth
On Monday, Club for Growth Executive Director David Keating was interviewed on KENI 650 AM in Anchorage, Alaska. The subject was Rep. Don Young's recently announced desire to raise the gas tax. You can listen here (MP3 file).
Gotta Love Sanford
Nachama Soloveichik
Sometimes it's the small things that make a difference. Today, SC Governor (and possible VP candidate) Mark Sanford signed a state law removing the legal requirement for shampooers to receive the same state-mandated 1,500 hours of training that cosmetologists receive. While this may seem insignificant to some, Sanford is highlighting the problem of overregulation in South Carolina. In his press release, the governor listed the state's top 10 crazy laws or proposals:
Top 10 Crazy Laws or Proposals - Whatever happened to common sense?
1. State law requires an individual to complete 1,500 hours of instruction to become a cosmetologist. It takes more hours of licensing to become a cosmetologist in SC than it does to become a police officer (396 hours) or carry a concealed weapon (8 hours).
2. Caskets and Stones, a retail funeral store in Greenwood, submitted their license application, paid their fee, were scheduled to go before the Board of Funeral Directors, and were told they could open. But then the Board gave them a "cease and desist" order * essentially telling them to stop selling caskets. The Board fined them $1,500 for "opening before their Board appointment." They had to pay it before they could get their license.
3. Fortune Tellers are required to obtain a special permit in order to operate in South Carolina.
4. A proposed bill would require high school football and basketball playoff games to have replay for officials to use during these games.
5. Barbering schools are required by law to have at least ten instructional chairs *and those chairs are required by law to be upholstered and finished exactly the same way.
6. In 2003, a bill was introduced that would have required all drinking straws in South Carolina be sold in individual wrappers. The bill almost led to a fist fight on the House floor.
7. The fourth Friday in October in each year is designated by law in public schools as Frances Willard Day, and each public school is required "to prepare and render a suitable program on the day to the end that the children of the state may be taught the evils of intemperance."
8. Circuses cannot exceed 48 hours at one place in any one year.
9. If a menu or advertisement states "frozen dessert," it must correctly state the specific frozen dessert that is offered for sale so as not to mislead the consumer.
10. Musical instruments are not allowed to be sold on Sunday.
This is cross-posted at VPWatch
Quotes of the Day
Andrew Roth
The Hill newspaper asked all 97 Senators who aren't running for president, if they would accept a VP nomination if offered. Here are a few of the funny ones:
“If I were asked I’d probably have to get a divorce, so the answer would probably be no. But I won’t be asked if he [McCain] wants to win.” -- Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)
“No. I don’t like going to funerals.” -- Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.)
“I’d say, ‘Please read the Constitution.’ I wasn’t born in America; I can’t be VP.” -- Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.)
Hooray for the White House, But Where's Blunt?
Andrew Roth
According to EWG's Ken Cook, the White House is now whipping the House GOP into voting "no" on the Farm Bill. But where is Whip Chief Roy Blunt? Is he going to pitch in and help?
Doug Ose's Farm Subsidies
Press Release
Doug Ose’s History of Pocketing Farm Subsidies
Washington – As Congress prepares to vote on the bloated 2007 Farm Bill, it is appropriate for voters in California’s Fourth Congressional District to ask: What did Doug Ose do to stem the wasteful tide of taxpayer-funded subsidies when he was in Congress?
Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is nothing. In fact, not only did Doug Ose support the bloated Farm Bill in 2002 when he was in Congress, he actually pocketed $604,157 worth of farm subsidies himself between 1995 and 2002. These subsidies are all the more egregious given Ose’s seat on the Agriculture Committee and his multi-million dollar net worth. According to Roll Call, Doug Ose was the tenth richest member of Congress in 2004.
“After taking hundreds and thousands of taxpayer dollars for himself, Doug Ose has the audacity to ask voters in California’s Forth Congressional District to send him back to Congress so he can vote for more wasteful programs and projects,” said Club for Growth Executive Director David Keating. “Ose’s support for the 2002 Farm Bill and his past and current support for wasteful pork projects demonstrate that he cannot be counted on to fight for taxpayers. The only candidate who has a record of fighting to cut wasteful spending is Tom McClintock.”
PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
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