Posted on 10/29/2009 7:30:56 AM PDT by markomalley
An excise tax on high-priced insurance policies might violate President Obama's pledge to not raise taxes on the middle class, House Democratic Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said last night.
"I do not want to see anything jeopardize the president's promise not to raise taxes on the middle-class," Clyburn told MSNBC last night. "And that could very well get us there."
The House healthcare bill to be unveiled today will not include such a tax, but the Senate bill does. Under the Senate bill, an excise tax on so-called "Cadillac" insurance policies would help pay for subsidies and expanded coverage.
President Obama endorsed the excise tax during his healthcare speech to Congress.
Labor unions fiercely oppose the tax, which they fear would hit hard at the benefits they've negotiated for members. While the tax would fall primarily on insurance companies, critics argue insurers would past the cost on to consumers.
The House bill would instead rely on an income tax on couples earning more than $1 million a year and individuals earning more than $500,000. Obama pledged during the campaign to not increase taxes on anyone earning more than $250,000.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
“Might”????
Labor unions fiercely oppose the tax, which they fear would hit hard at the benefits they’ve negotiated for members. While the tax would fall primarily on insurance companies, critics argue insurers would past the cost on to consumers.
I’m confused. Is this a case of blind squirrel finding a nut once in a while, or is this just bull. They cannot possibly think that the ONLY tax that will be passed along to consumers is a tax on health insurance?!? can they? Silly democrats, taxes are for raising costs-ALL the time-on consumers. Catch up......
He’s geting heat over this,because most of the unions have the “cadillac” health plans.Unions don’t give back anything.
I thought there was a clause that “exempted” existing labor union agreements.
He doesn’t do pledges.
I’m sure the unions will get their exemption... as will BIG Lawyer and others... Red states will pay Blue states will gain... which goes a long way to explain why the bills are 1,500+ pages. It takes a lotta paper to give with one hand and take back with the other!
Anyone who believes a politician's campaign pledge is a fool.
Congressman Clyburn probably thought that it was a special tax on Cadillacs, and was concerned with disproportionate racial impact. (I keed, I keed.)
When his lips move it’s all lies.
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