The construction rate in DC is amazing. Cranes everywhere, people moving into that city at the rate of 1,000 a month or more. But still the citizens who pay 100% of federal taxes have 0% votes in Congress, and with 630,000 residents a bigger population than Wyoming and Vermont.
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Whaaat? DC residents pay 100% of Federal taxes?
DC is not a State and many of the workers there have their primary residences in adjacent or other States, where they DO have representation in the Senate and House. Many actual DC residents are drawing welfare and food stamps and don’t pay any Federal income tax, according to other threads I’ve read on FR.
Much of what you say is true. People come into DC from MD and VA, get paid, use the DC roads and police services, then go home and DC is not allowed to charge any commuter taxes as apparently other jurisdictions are able to do. However, many people also live in DC, pay 100% IRS taxes in DC, and have NO vote in Congress. Just as is the case in States where residents DO have votes in Congress and people drawing food stamps, welfare, Social Security, we have poor people who pay no taxes.
Should there be a national law that anyone who does not pay taxes cannot vote?? Senior citizens would love that!! NOT!! Also, the percentage of people who do not pay taxes in several states is probably as great as it is in DC, but nobody is talking about taking away their votes, and I think several of them are tea party states.
DC residents pay exactly the same taxes as anyone anywhere else in the country with the same income level. They use the 1040 form, Schedules A, B, C, D, E, and F the same as everyone else. However, they have no vote at all in how or for what their tax money is spent. On the other hand Puerto Rico which has the same non voting status pays NO FEDERAL INCOME TAX. Is this fair? Residents of DC should only have to pay a 40% tax since they do have a vote for President and VP, but no vote for Representative or two Senators. That would be fair.
I forgot to mention that DC has over 450,000 registered voters. While some people do keep their home of origin voting rights, the bulk of the longer term residents vote in DC. Actually, the proportion of taxes paid to the IRS compared to money paid for welfare and food stamps is probably much higher than in a number of states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc.
I forgot to mention that DC has over 450,000 registered voters. While some people do keep their home of origin voting rights, the bulk of the longer term residents vote in DC. Actually, the proportion of taxes paid to the IRS compared to money paid for welfare and food stamps is probably much higher than in a number of states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, etc.