Where did you get sticking it to the man out of the article?
Re your last paragraph: if taxes are raised, they're raised on higher incomes, because they can afford it better. If health cover is taken from tax revenue, and everyone pays it, the premium will vanish. It's also likely that the amount of tax money taken to pay for health cover will be *less than* the current premium. (Also? Remove the cap on FICA-eligible income.)
Ben hasn't had a single raise in his job, which he's had for 9 years now. Know why? All the money that could be going to an increase in take-home pay is going to BCBS. Insurance premiums have increased 98% -- almost doubled! -- in the last 10 years, while wages have increased 20%.
Take the money from premiums and give it to the employees. It'll be taxed, and possibly at a higher rate, but I'd wager that for the average worker, the new tax would be less than the premium. When you get down to the workers who don't currently have coverage because they can't afford it and the employer doesn't provide it, you'll likely see an increase in taxes, but I can envision a tax structure that doesn't unduly increase the burden on the poor (or at all.) I believe in taxing the rich, which is unpopular among people of a certain viewpoint and a certain income level. (Approximately mine, actually, if I worked full time. I'd clear over 100K.)
no subject
Re your last paragraph: if taxes are raised, they're raised on higher incomes, because they can afford it better. If health cover is taken from tax revenue, and everyone pays it, the premium will vanish. It's also likely that the amount of tax money taken to pay for health cover will be *less than* the current premium. (Also? Remove the cap on FICA-eligible income.)
Ben hasn't had a single raise in his job, which he's had for 9 years now. Know why? All the money that could be going to an increase in take-home pay is going to BCBS. Insurance premiums have increased 98% -- almost doubled! -- in the last 10 years, while wages have increased 20%.
Take the money from premiums and give it to the employees. It'll be taxed, and possibly at a higher rate, but I'd wager that for the average worker, the new tax would be less than the premium. When you get down to the workers who don't currently have coverage because they can't afford it and the employer doesn't provide it, you'll likely see an increase in taxes, but I can envision a tax structure that doesn't unduly increase the burden on the poor (or at all.) I believe in taxing the rich, which is unpopular among people of a certain viewpoint and a certain income level. (Approximately mine, actually, if I worked full time. I'd clear over 100K.)