If you read the article, it goes on to say that if you include SS taxes that the percentage drops to 24%. It also gives the percentages by income range. But 47% makes a more sensational headline. Makes you wonder what their political motivations are?
Although I think an argument could be made that all citizens should have "skin in the game", the unfortunate reality is that the ranks of the under $30k crowd are growing. It's pretty hard to raise a family on that level of income. Asking them to pay more taxes now is quite alot to ask.
I see in articles alot of information about earned income at the higher end. It's harder to find figures on wealth held. I've seen a figure of the top 1% holding 95% of the wealth - the truly rich are probably more asset heavy than earned income heavy.
The proper strategy would be to figure out how we can move people up into a viable middle class. Increase incomes and the tax problem fixes itself.
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