Any state with legalized gambling (casinos, lotteries, etc.) taxes the poor.
FWIW, I suspect this was one of the underlying reasons why New Jersey's tax system has become increasingly regressive in recent years. There's a serious concern here over the number of high-income taxpayers that have been fleeing to other states.
If you make an income, then it should be taxed, just like everyone else.
I would bet that Alabama's tax revenues would take a big hit if this tax was deleted on at or below poverty level folks. Even if they dropped it, I suspect it would be added in sales taxes.
In what Bizarro World variation of America is it fair to have a tax specifically aimed at one socio-economic group? The rich should be soaked to subsidize the rest of the population?
In a high-cost state like New Jersey ...
Wonder why?
"Poverty stricken" seems to indicate that it was an unavioidable condition, like an illness. In fact, we know that poverty (outside of a few cases of very bad luck) is caused by behavior.
If those in that position take advantage of all the assistance available to them, they're coming out way ahead of the pittance in taxes they pay.
Rush reporting on this situation right now.
Needs list of other states. CBS/AP only talk about East Coast states.
Wonderful NJ!
My own theory is that we could eliminate poverty by taxing it out of existence - make it economically undesirable to be poor with an inverted income tax structure.
Whaddaya think?
First rule of economics: If you want more of something, then subsidize it; if you want less of something, tax it. I think that principle applies here!
So? Doesn't everyone have a fair obligation to support schools, police and roads?
what really cracks me up is that they're taxed on the previous year's tax return.
Isn't that what usually happens to crack heads eventually? Like, you know, steal stuff to support their habit regardless how much the victim needed their cash, life, etc.?
Politicians and the government, like crack heads, can go without a 'fix' for a while, though difficult.
Why is it that the government at all levels cannot quit funding wasteful programs and trim the pork, even reduce level of services if needed?
Most people and private companies have cut loose personnel and reduced overhead when the costs of operating increase, like energy for instance, but income remains the same.
Here in NC, the NC legislature / governor's budget for years has consistently out paced (percentage growth) population growth, inflation, and per capita income growth (real earnings).
That's exactly why I have my attitude. NC legislature figured on a way to tax my air over my head as a sales tax (7%) tacked on to my monthly satellite TV bill. I keep trying to get to the store where the signal(s)comes from, but gravity keeps my away and NASA won't loan me a shuttle ride. Didn't realize that NC's state boundaries continued 125 miles up into earth's orbit and the government of NC paid for that satellite.
Of course such topics are not newsworthy for the LSM and politicians cannot answer some simple questions neither.
We are constantly bombarded by the RAT's with the state income tax weapon. One of the "selling points" for changing our state constitution enabling the legislature's desire of enacting a state income tax is the song, "You can deduct if from your federal return."
Like cigs and booze...where they get whacked again.