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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
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House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
WASHINGTON – An income tax surcharge on highly paid Americans emerged as the leading option Wednesday night as House Democrats sought ways to pay for health care legislation that President Barack Obama favors, several officials said.
As discussed in the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, the surtax would apply to individuals with adjusted gross income of more than $200,000 and couples over $250,000, they added.
source
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Posted 7/8/09 8:55 PM  |
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Phyl
R.I.P. Sweet Mia ♥
Member since 5/06 28918 total posts
Name:
The Mystical Azzhorse! ™
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Of course!
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| Posted 7/8/09 9:02 PM |
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Christine
2nd verse same as the 1st
Member since 5/05 15287 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
OMG...I am shocked!! 
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| Posted 7/8/09 9:19 PM |
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cjik
Welcome 2010!
Member since 2/06 8879 total posts
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Any better suggestions?
Just curious.
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| Posted 7/8/09 9:40 PM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by cjik
Any better suggestions?
Just curious.
Use the tax revenue for beer and cigs and add a tax to fast food
Why are those with health care expected to pay to cover others care?
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| Posted 7/9/09 9:44 AM |
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NotTellin
LIF Infant
Member since 6/09 83 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Yep, because $200,000/$250,000 is rich in NY.
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| Posted 7/9/09 9:47 AM |
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twiceasnice
LIF Adult
Member since 2/08 1126 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Even with this surtax they have to come up with another 230 billion dollars.
This is after restructuring medicare, medicaid and making deals with the hospitals (ie ER care).
They say Everything is on the table to be taxed.
If they really think that taxing soda and cigarettes will make up the difference then they better get some of those 9.5% of unemployed people working.
You can't buy stuff if your not making money!
link
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| Posted 7/9/09 9:47 AM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by annoyedTTCer
Posted by cjik
Any better suggestions?
Just curious.
Use the tax revenue for beer and cigs and add a tax to fast food
Why are those with health care expected to pay to cover others care?
I don't think that "sin" taxes are the answer though. Particularly a tax on fast food. that would disproportionately affect lower income individuals.
What we really need is tort reform.
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| Posted 7/9/09 9:57 AM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by Cpt2007
Posted by annoyedTTCer
Posted by cjik
Any better suggestions?
Just curious.
Use the tax revenue for beer and cigs and add a tax to fast food
Why are those with health care expected to pay to cover others care?
I don't think that "sin" taxes are the answer though. Particularly a tax on fast food. that would disproportionately affect lower income individuals.
What we really need is tort reform.
see, I kinda like the sin tax idea. especially since it's not like most fast food places are that cheap to begin with. I remember being too broke to afford McDonalds. we almost NEVER had it. I am just not sure how many low income people use these establishments as a regular source of sustinance that they would be unduly burdened with the tax.
and they would have access to healthcare, which to me, is worth the extra $.40 on the cost of a Happy Meal.
I just have to laugh at the idea of yet ANOTHER tax on cigarettes. quite honestly, if you still feel the need to buck up the ching to buy a back at the cost they are now, you can throw in an extra $1 towards your cancer treatment bills.
tort reform is a MUST. they can generate enough money to get out our of national debt for this healthcare program, but if there is no tort reform, we will be none the better for it.
if everyone is eligible for the service, they should all carry the burder in a proportional way. I don't agree with having the "well off" foot the whole bill, and if the best way to get EVERYONE one to pay is through a tax on goods, so be it. tax tax tax away.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:07 AM |
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annoyedTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 4/09 3272 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by Cpt2007
Posted by annoyedTTCer
Posted by cjik
Any better suggestions?
Just curious.
Use the tax revenue for beer and cigs and add a tax to fast food
Why are those with health care expected to pay to cover others care?
I don't think that "sin" taxes are the answer though. Particularly a tax on fast food. that would disproportionately affect lower income individuals.
What we really need is tort reform.
People that consume alot of cigs, beer and fast food require more health care - that is why I made that link.
I also would like to see a law that if your job offers health care one must take it unless covered by spouse.
A lot of the uninsured in this nation have access to health care but they chose to not opt for the coverage because they would rather have the extra money in their pay.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:36 AM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by annoyedTTCer
People that consume alot of cigs, beer and fast food require more health care - that is why I made that link.
I also would like to see a law that if your job offers health care one must take it unless covered by spouse.
A lot of the uninsured in this nation have access to health care but they chose to not opt for the coverage because they would rather have the extra money in their pay.
so you'd prefer something more akin to the Massachussetts law? Not flaming, just asking.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:42 AM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by annoyedTTCer
I also would like to see a law that if your job offers health care one must take it unless covered by spouse.
A lot of the uninsured in this nation have access to health care but they chose to not opt for the coverage because they would rather have the extra money in their pay.
I would like to see statistics on this because I have never, ever in my life known a single person to fall into this category, but I have known several uninsured people - my own mother was for many years because her company didn't offer health insurance.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:43 AM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by eroxgirl
Posted by annoyedTTCer
I also would like to see a law that if your job offers health care one must take it unless covered by spouse.
A lot of the uninsured in this nation have access to health care but they chose to not opt for the coverage because they would rather have the extra money in their pay.
I would like to see statistics on this because I have never, ever in my life known a single person to fall into this category, but I have known several uninsured people - my own mother was for many years because her company didn't offer health insurance.
you won't find any 
this is not stastical information, this is propaganda.
I mean, if you think about it, EVERYONE has "access" to healthcare, b/c anyone can get an individual plan with any one of the healthcare companies out there.
but the cost is EXTREMELY high. PROHIBITIVELY HIGH. even moreso if you have a family. it's not about people wanting an extra $50 in their pockets.
it's people deciding between being homeless WITH healthcare, or being able to pay rent and eat without it.
I myself, an employee of the federal govt, with "great" benefits posted recently that MY percentage of the premium for coverage for my and my future child will be $600 per month.
that is a HELL of a lot of money to have taken out of a paycheck. and can easily change anyone's financial picture.
it's just not cut and dry.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:48 AM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
So you know, you CAN buy a salad at McDonald's or a baked potato. I am not sure if it's really a SIN!!! Not everyone one buys "junk" at a fast food place.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:49 AM |
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mtnmama
Member since 5/06 4794 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Of course the dirty rich-highly paid  Americans should be charged extra, how dare they make so much money 
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:54 AM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by smdl
So you know, you CAN buy a salad at McDonald's or a baked potato. I am not sure if it's really a SIN!!! Not everyone one buys "junk" at a fast food place.
am aware of that, and wasn't passing judgement on the choices available or those that chose healthy options at fast food establishments. was simply and generally labeling things that are seen as health "taboos" under the category of what is commonly referred to as a "sin" tax.
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| Posted 7/9/09 10:55 AM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
well the money to pay for insuring every single American including the millions of illegals has to come from somewhere.
I'm going to start calling Obama and all these Dems Robin Hood. this is what this is... robbing the rich and giving to the poor. although the "rich" in this instance is hardly rich. 
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:14 PM |
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cjik
Welcome 2010!
Member since 2/06 8879 total posts
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
I'm all for tort reform. This is a big part of the problem with our healthcare costs. I also think another part of the problem is people not going for check-ups on a regular basis, either because they have no insurance or no time, then winding up with bigger health issues that may have been addressed sooner. When I had GHI, they actually did not cover the costs of an annual physical which made no sense to me. So I do think insurance companies should pay for that.
I agree the costs should be shared by taxpayers based upon income. I don't see the connection between health insurance and taxing the wealthiest Americans to pay for it, but I threw the question out there to see what ideas people have.
I'm all for additional taxes on tobacco products and alcohol, especially the former. No way is that healthy for you ever. It gets fuzzier when you start to throw in fast food and sugary drinks though. What exactly is fast food? Do you just tax McDonalds and Wendys or do you throw in the Chinese restaurants, pizza parlors and non Taco Bell burrito stores also? And as someone pointed out, there are healthy alternatives. It just gets too murky at this level.
And if you live in a low income neighborhood, these may be the only places nearby to go for a meal out, so there is something unfair about it.
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:21 PM |
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SweetestOfPeas
J'taime Paris!
Member since 3/06 32345 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by cjik
I'm all for tort reform. This is a big part of the problem with our healthcare costs. I also think another part of the problem is people not going for check-ups on a regular basis, either because they have no insurance or no time, then winding up with bigger health issues that may have been addressed sooner. When I had GHI, they actually did not cover the costs of an annual physical which made no sense to me. So I do think insurance companies should pay for that.
I agree the costs should be shared by taxpayers based upon income. I don't see the connection between health insurance and taxing the wealthiest Americans to pay for it, but I threw the question out there to see what ideas people have.
I agree 100% that we need tort reform. this country is "sue happy".but honestly, the judges are to blame for awarding people millions of $'s for burns stemming from spilled coffee - that THEY spilled on themselves 
and for thr record, those who earn the most already do pay more in taxes. that's how the system was set up. the more you earn, the more you pay.
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:31 PM |
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Cpt2007
A new love!
Member since 1/08 5946 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
well the money to pay for insuring every single American including the millions of illegals has to come from somewhere.
I'm not advocating for the tax based on income, but I don't know that denying care to legitimately sick or dying people is the answer either.
To deny care based on immigration status would incur costs as well. We've all seen the trouble to be had when counties and municipalities try to screen for documentation. "Deputizing" to do the work of ICE is expensive in and of itself too. But really, when someone who is having a heart attack or stroke is being wheeled into an ER, what doctor, what compasionate person, is giong to say first "can i see proof of legal residency" and if it can't be produced turn that person who could die away? That's just not realistic.
I'm not saying that paying for the health care of uninsured people (both legal residents and illegal) isn't part of the problem, I just dont think it's a catchall for fixing the system.
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:35 PM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
I think the problem comes from trying to repair a system that is beyond repair
sometimes when things are just too messed up to go forward- you need to start fresh
it's like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound
and I am all for heath care reform....I wouldn't even mind having the option to buy into a government plan after pricing insurace as a self employed person...
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:41 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
I agree 100% that we need tort reform. this country is "sue happy".but honestly, the judges are to blame for awarding people millions of $'s for burns stemming from spilled coffee - that THEY spilled on themselves
ftr, this kind of law suit is not the same as a medical malpractice law suit. although I do agree that it is absolutely ludicrous. and that we are extremely prone to law suit.
and most astronomical payouts are given by jury trials, not bench trials.
it's all a mess. let's take it out to the barn and shoot it
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:45 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by Cpt2007
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
well the money to pay for insuring every single American including the millions of illegals has to come from somewhere.
But really, when someone who is having a heart attack or stroke is being wheeled into an ER, what doctor, what compasionate person, is giong to say first "can i see proof of legal residency" and if it can't be produced turn that person who could die away? That's just not realistic.
I'm not saying that paying for the health care of uninsured people (both legal residents and illegal) isn't part of the problem, I just dont think it's a catchall for fixing the system.
not only is it not realistic, it's a disgusting and heinous thought. 
even if you removed every illegal from the country, you still would not come close to solving the health care crisis here.
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:49 PM |
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stickydust
Now a mommy of 2!!!
Member since 4/06 3164 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
I have absolutely no solutions but I must say we (as in DH and I) are being absolutely KILLED with taxes this year.
It is horrible - because we pay estimated taxes and regular taxes for him and god knows what else - I am not exaggerating when I tell you that every month every single "extra" dollar we have is going to paying taxes. We simply cannot afford to pay anymore!! Maybe we need a new accountant (which we are looking into) but we are really being strangled by taxes. I am sorry to vent on here but I just feel like enough is enough - it is really becoming difficult for us
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:49 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: House Democrats eye surtax on wealthy to pay for health bill
Posted by Ophelia
Posted by eroxgirl
Posted by annoyedTTCer
I also would like to see a law that if your job offers health care one must take it unless covered by spouse.
A lot of the uninsured in this nation have access to health care but they chose to not opt for the coverage because they would rather have the extra money in their pay.
I would like to see statistics on this because I have never, ever in my life known a single person to fall into this category, but I have known several uninsured people - my own mother was for many years because her company didn't offer health insurance.
you won't find any
this is not stastical information, this is propaganda.
I mean, if you think about it, EVERYONE has "access" to healthcare, b/c anyone can get an individual plan with any one of the healthcare companies out there.
but the cost is EXTREMELY high. PROHIBITIVELY HIGH. even moreso if you have a family. it's not about people wanting an extra $50 in their pockets.
it's people deciding between being homeless WITH healthcare, or being able to pay rent and eat without it.
I myself, an employee of the federal govt, with "great" benefits posted recently that MY percentage of the premium for coverage for my and my future child will be $600 per month.
that is a HELL of a lot of money to have taken out of a paycheck. and can easily change anyone's financial picture.
it's just not cut and dry.
Or as I posted once before - my mother who is 60yo and was recently informed that her premium under my father's pension would go from $250ish to $700+ with LESS things covered. . .
I can tell you with total certainty that if I hadn't started paying it - my mother would have turned down health coverage in favor of things like eating and paying the mortgage.
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| Posted 7/9/09 1:52 PM |
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