A quote from 18th century novelist Henry Fielding states, “Society will be judged by the way in which it treats its poor.”
Today America is seeing nearly 4 million children slip back into poverty because the child tax credit in the American Rescue Plan did not get extended in Congress. It is estimated that 6 million more children will end up back in poverty.
Plans are now in process that would increase income inequality and defeat a more progressive tax structure.
According to the nonprofit, nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, the “11-Point Plan to Rescue America” proposed by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) would increase taxes on the poor an average $1,000. One of the plan’s points states, “Eliminate federal programs that can be done locally;” and “All federal legislation sunsets in five years. If a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.” Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act could be eliminated!
The current administration plans to repeal the regressive 2017 tax law and ensure that billionaires and large corporations pay their fair share of taxes while keeping tax rates current for those making less than $400,000.
How will our society be judged by future generations? The answer could come from how we vote this year.
Bob Panzer
Fairfield