Most of us have seen the tape of candidate Gov. Mitt Romney speaking at a fundraiser about the 47 percent. You know that magic number the right and Republicans have clutched to representing "those" people, the 'takers'. People who don't pay a federal income tax, who demand their government payments, the lazy and shiftless, the non workers, the people who would readily vote for someone like Barack Obama and help destroy this country.
People who did not pay a federal income tax include families who report earnings below middle wage earnings, meaning they work and are employed. These families qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit a program thought of by the Republicans and passed into law and signed into law by Republicans. Since the financial meltdown more families have found themselves in this category. Also they are receiving more tax cuts which are set to expire in a couple of years. It should be noted that in the tape of that fundraiser you will see waiters/waitresses/bartenders working who more than likely qualifies for this tax break on their federal income taxes.
Also in this group of non-paying tax payers you will find seniors on a fixed income. Who more than likely receive their monthly government payment. You also have people who report earning less than $9,000 who pay no tax.
It should be noted that this group pays other federal taxes and well as state and local taxes and at times more so than other tax brackets. It is an attempt to show that the upper brackets pay their share and to steer away looking at the many loopholes corporations have and allow them to pay little or no taxes with a pledge from Republicans that will pay even less. A recent study from Cornell shows that at least 96 percent of Americans have at one time or another received a government payment in their lifetime.
A study based on the recent census report shows that the top four states with high middle wage earnings coincides with a high unionization rate in that state. The bottom four states with the lowest middle wage earnings has the most restrictive unionization policies for that state. Take an overall view of the Electoral College and it shows that where President Obama is doing well and will likely win has higher income levels as well as high tax rates. Candidate Romney will most likely take those states that have high government payments and low income rates.
Charles M. Reeder
Montoursville
