Socialized medicine takes away freedom Jul 1, 2009
YellowDog09 wrote on Jun 30, 2009 2:09 PM:" Republicans are not just currently the party of no. they have always been the party of no. anything that dares to breach their narrow paradigm, anything that isnt strictly within their confines of their hypocritical theocracy, anything that resembles progress or change or embracing the future, anything that assists the poor, the minorities, the crestfallen, the oppressed, the middle class, women, foreign countriesessentially anything that a... (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Tax cuts we can well do without Jul 1, 2009
You could be forgiven for having forgotten, but from today we'll be getting tax cuts worth up to $41 ... Although the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, boasted that his budget in May was "very Labor", that hardly describes his tax cuts - which isn't surprising considering they were designed by the Liberals ... As you recall, the former treasurer Peter Costello popped up at the start of the 2007 election campaign and promised another three years worth of tax cuts, but Kevin Rudd lost little time in pinching... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Analysts Data won't make RBA nervous Jul 1, 2009
SU-LIN ONG, SENIOR ECONOMIST, RBC CAPITAL MARKETS "There was an unusually violent fall in the 'other dwelling' sector which suggests something lumpy went through. Maybe some apartment approvals got pulled for lack of financing, but it's not clear. The core private houses approvals dipped but are still trending higher, so I'm reluctant to read too much into one month's figures. Sales were clearly helped by fiscal stimulus and that echoes the RBA's liaison with retailers. Spending may be more... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Austria—2009 Article IV Consultation, Preliminary Conclusions of the Mission Jul 1, 2009
Consumption has held up well so far due to substantial wage increases agreed to last year when inflation was high, and tax cuts but as unemployment rises, as is expected through 2010, household spending will lose momentum ... However, this stimulus consisted largely of bringing forward planned permanent tax cuts for middle-income earners and, hence, is not optimally effective in raising demand. (IMF News)
North Texas business leaders react to health care reform plan Jul 1, 2009
Health care reform details begin to emerge - Dallas Business Journal. for free extra services. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Ark. grocers say penny tax cut won't boost sales Jun 30, 2009
The $40 million grocery tax cut was one of two major tax cuts that Beebe signed into law in March and will take effect when the new fiscal year starts Wednesday. Lawmakers also approved a cut in the tax manufacturers pay on utilities, a reduction that Beebe said could help stimulate the state's economy by making the state more attractive to new industries. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
Ruth Madoff: "Embarrassed and Ashamed" Jun 30, 2009
We've updated CBSNews. Disgraced Financier's Wife Breaks Silence After Husband's Sentencing; Says She Feels "Betrayed And Confused". (CBS News)
EPA, Dow Chemical resuming dioxin talks Jun 30, 2009
In a story fact-checking the presidential candidates' debate on Page A10 Wednesday, the Associated Press incorrectly reported that Barack Obama overstated the proportion of American households that would see tax cuts under his economic plan. The Democrat specified that he was talking about "working Americans," and the figure he cited -- 95% -- is essentially correct, according to the Tax Policy Center, which calculated the figures. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Brazil's Bovespa Rises to 2-Week High on Government Measures, VisaNet IPO Jun 30, 2009
Finance Minister said the government will extend sales-tax cuts on home appliances and automobiles. The tax cuts on appliances will be extended until Oct. 15 and car sales taxes will return gradually after September, Mantega told reporters today in Brasilia. (Bloomberg)
Medical Errors Jun 30, 2009
For example, Mermin says there's "tons of support" for paying for health care by rolling back the Bush tax cuts. But few politicians have put the proposal on the tableso far. (Slate)
Flow of stimulus just a trickle Jun 30, 2009
When the government enacted a $787 billion package of tax cuts and new spending this spring, there was much talk about how all that money would help pull the economy out of a deep recession ... Of the $478 billion in direct spending (the rest is mostly tax cuts), the Congressional Budget Office figures only about $150 billion will be available this year ... Tax cuts certainly have helped. (Huntington WSAZ-TV, WV)
Time for households to spend for Australia Jun 30, 2009
Alongside tomorrow's tax cuts, promised in the 2007 election, many businesses are hoping the stimulus can continue to prop up spending ... " An economist at the ANZ Bank, Riki Polygenis, said: "The tax cuts will obviously help, but they are targeted towards high income earners, who tend to spend less of every dollar they earn and save more. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hill Democrats Critical Of Bush's Budget Plan Jun 30, 2009
When you combine the cutbacks with the large sums the White House is seeking to support the military, the war and tax cuts, "this is not a budget we can support," House Budget Committee Chairman Jr. (D-S.C.) told reporters after his panel finished grilling White House budget director Rob Portman. In the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman (D-N.Y.) told Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson that he was particularly annoyed by the health-care cuts and yet another request from the White House to... (Yahoo News -- U.S. Budget)
Don't cry for us Jun 30, 2009
Farm leaders have increased their presence in Congress with this election, and are likely to push again for tax cuts on grain exports and less state intervention in the economy, as well as new policies for beef and milk production. But the new Congress will not begin work until December, giving President Fernandez five months with a majority in both houses. (BBC News -- Americas)
Republicans Should Blow Up Party, Not Marriages Jun 30, 2009
-- Push for growth-oriented tax cuts, the kind that make foreign businesses want to expand here ... Budget- balancing and tax cuts sound mutually exclusive, but they are not if the U.S. pulls a , by making the U.S. an investment destination by pinning up a big sign: Open for Business. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
Merkel Pledges Tax Cuts For Germany... Jun 30, 2009
Merkel Pledges Tax Cuts Despite Rising Deficit - WSJ.com ... Merkel Pledges Tax Cuts Despite Rising Deficit ... The conservative parties' election platform promises tax cuts worth 15 billion ($21 billion), but gives no time frame. (The Drudge Report)
Higher bills will wipe out tax cuts Jun 30, 2009
INTEREST rates may be at near record lows but households face a significant squeeze from tomorrow as a rise in utility charges more than wipes out most gains from income tax cuts ... The reforms will be implemented as tax cuts take effect ... Higher income earners will receive the largest tax cuts while more families will feel the Federal Government's attempts to reduce so-called middle-class welfare. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
House of Representatives Committee postpones action on tax proposals Jun 30, 2009
The tax cuts, including the flat-tax proposal and one to permanently repeal a suspended property tax, were a chief target of a protest outside the Capitol that drew hundreds of teachers and other public school supporters ... Glen Thomas, a Chandler electrician whose wife is a Mesa Unified School District teacher, said lawmakers are chipping away at education funding while providing tax cuts for business. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Stimulus money slow to create jobs Jun 30, 2009
Tax cuts comprise $288 billion of the $787 billion in the program. A tax credit of up to $1,500 for energy-saving home improvements is having an impact, said Michael McGee, of the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware counties in Pensylvania. (AZCentral -- News)
'We need growth'... Jun 30, 2009
FT.com / Europe - Merkel exchanges discipline for tax cuts ... Merkel exchanges discipline for tax cuts ... Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, cast aside her image as European champion of fiscal discipline on Monday as she launched her re-election bid with a manifesto calling for higher public investments and 15bn in tax cuts over four years. (The Drudge Report)
Tax cuts will help support economy: Swan Jun 30, 2009
Income tax cuts, refunds for education expenses and increased childcare benefits form part of a new wave of stimulus for the economy, and come on top of the one-off welfare and tax bonuses handed out this year. "These payments have overwhelmingly benefited low and middle-income Australians and have been very effective in supporting business activity, limiting job losses and keeping Australia from falling into technical recession," Mr Swan said in a statement. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Merkel pledges to ditch coalition Jun 30, 2009
Tax cuts form the centrepiece of her manifesto - a stance condemned by the SPD as a "tax gift" giveaway. The plan includes cutting the lowest income tax rate from 14% to 12%, and raising the threshold at which people pay the top rate, 45%, from 52,000 euros to 60,000 euros (51,000). (BBC News -- Europe)
Toyota, Honda Lead Drop in Production as Car Demand, U.S. Exports Plunge Jun 29, 2009
Japan has implemented tax cuts and subsidies on some fuel- efficient cars to spur auto sales. Consumers can apply for a 250,000 yen ($2,600) subsidy if they scrap a car more than 13 years old to buy a new one and 100,000 yen for a new car purchase without scrapping an old one. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Merkel Shifts Nuclear Stand, Champions Electric Cars to Lure German Voters Jun 29, 2009
Merkels campaign platform includes plans for what she called moderate tax cuts, even as she supports efforts to curb the budget deficit. The fiscal shortfall will rise to 6. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
McGinty: State's outdated tax code needs serious work Jun 28, 2009
Exacerbating this number is the litany of tax cuts and tax breaks that trickle down from Atlanta, most fueled more by political motivation than a legitimate policy aim. Yet, despite plenty of campaign bluster, structuring an appropriate and fair tax policy is something that has eluded politicians in Atlanta for a long time. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Obama taps supporters for help with healthcare overhaul Jun 28, 2009
He called on Congress to pass a collection of tax cuts and new spending, but did not fully activate his grass-roots network until Congress had shaped the contours of the package. Organizing for America tried only to illustrate the need for swift action, coordinating nationwide economic recovery house parties, and gathering individual testimonials about the need for more federal help. (Boston Globe)
Well-off to benefit most from tax cut Jun 28, 2009
WORKERS earning less than $45,000 a year will receive no relief in their pay packets after tax cuts kick in from Wednesday ... Australia Institute senior research fellow David Richardson said the tax cuts did not pass the fairness test ... " He said tax cuts for the rich did little to stimulate spending in the economy, which meant the cuts were a wasted opportunity. "If the Government wanted to stimulate the economy, the tax cuts should have gone to low-income earners who are more likely to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Design for the new economy Jun 28, 2009
Between tax cuts for the wealthiest and increasingly exotic (and risky) forms of investment, the richest fraction of Americans did very well, indeed. But during that boom, incomes stayed flat for the overwhelming majority of Americans even as productivity soared; millions lost health care coverage; costs of energy, housing, food and education climbed; and debt reached record levels. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Americans' Savings Rate Highest in 15 Years Jun 28, 2009
"Personal tax cuts and government income support have brought consumers back from the dead, but the recuperation period promises to be a long one," said Sal Guatieri, an economist at BMO Capital Markets. The big jump in the savings rate also made Wall Street investors nervous. (Newsmax)
Amid state budget crisis, analysts sift through $137 million in tax breaks Jun 28, 2009
The debate over tax cuts in this fiscal environment was summed up in a conversation between Reps. Cedric Richmond and Cameron Henry, as they debated Adley's bill to expand the movie producers' tax break. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Letters to the editor (6/28/09) Jun 28, 2009
8 trillion cost of the Bush tax cuts that the Republicans thought were so good for the economy in 2001. I hope Sen. (Anchorage Daily News)
Obama becoming a dictator Jun 28, 2009
The Walrus wrote on Jun 26, 2009 12:42 PM:" When we on the left expressed our concerns about Bush, we were dismissed as far-left fanatics. When Bush violated FISA and spied on Americans, we were told it was necessary, and we must hate America. When Bush appointed cronies without experience, we were toold that's the solution to Big Government (and the solution to New Orleans, apparently.) When Bush declared he had the authority to declare anyone an enemy combatant without any constitutional... (Helena Independent Record, MT)
State budget deal calls for a tax overhaul Jun 27, 2009
The tax cuts were added to draw the support of Republicans reluctant to vote for the sales-tax referral that Brewer has sought ... "I just think it's pretty revolting at a time when all of Arizona is hurting (that) Republicans are still voting to give tax cuts to big business and, now, the wealthiest Arizonans," said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Rebecca Rios, D-Apache Junction. (AZCentral -- News)
MADDOCKS: Legislators shocked that a health care system overhaul could cost more than an apple a day Jun 27, 2009
"I thought it might be something on the order of the cost of filling up your SUV with premium gas for 10 years, not something on the order of the tax cuts enacted by the Legislature during President George W. Bush s time in office. So we re in the position of dialing down some of our expectations to get the costs down.". Asked what might be an acceptable level of expense, Mr. Grassley thought for a moment, and then said, "Well, I paid $6 for this bottle of aspirin, which will last me about a... (Framingham TAB, MA)
US consumer confidence up in June Jun 27, 2009
6% in May, helped by tax cuts. The University of Michigan survey, carried out jointly with Reuters, said that improved sentiment tends to come as consumers begin to increase their spending on houses, vehicles, and large household durables. (BBC News -- Americas)
US consumer spending rises as incomes surge Jun 27, 2009
Indeed, it appears that so far the stimulus money has gone more to savings than spending," he said. Personal incomes jumped 1.4 percent in May, the strongest gain in a year, mostly due to the 787-billion-dollar stimulus launched by President Barack Obama in February, the Commerce Department said. The hefty rise in incomes far outpaced the 0.3 percent gain expected by analysts. The government stimulus, which includes personal tax cuts and a one-time payment of 250 dollars to eligible recipients... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Impact fee freeze included in budget deal Jun 27, 2009
Budget deal includes impact fee freeze, may include property tax cuts - Phoenix Business Journal ... Budget deal includes impact fee freeze, may include property tax cuts ... The state budget being finalized by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Republican legislative leaders includes property tax cuts and a two-year freeze on development impact fees assessed by city governments on home builders and developers. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Fiscal-Financial Nexus: The Challenges and Lessons of the Global Crisis, a speech by IMF First Deputy Managing Director John Lipsky Jun 27, 2009
Stimulus measures in the form of tax cuts, such as the VAT rate cuts in the United Kingdom and payroll tax cuts in the United States, were implemented relatively quickly. Other measures have not been implemented as rapidly, particularly those related to spending. (IMF News)
US consumer spending ticks up amid income jump Jun 27, 2009
The government stimulus, which includes personal tax cuts and a one-time payment of 250 dollars to eligible recipients of social security and other benefits, offset a steep decline in private pay, the data showed. Private wages and salaries plunged more than 16 percent, led by declines in the goods-producing industries and the manufacturing sector. (Yahoo! Asia News)
'Less pretentious' menus take over Jun 27, 2009
Tax cuts ushered in as part of this year s economic stimulus package actually have disposable income on the rise nationwide, but those extra dollars are making their way into savings accounts, not restaurants coffers. Technomic, a Chicago-based research and consulting firm, shows sales for full-service restaurants fell 2. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Fed says recession easing, inflation is tame Jun 26, 2009
" Those observations about the recession and financial conditions were stronger than after the Fed's last meeting in April. Economists predict the economy is sinking in the April-June quarter but not nearly as much as it had in the prior six months, which marked the worst performance in 50 years. The economy is contracting at a pace of between 1 and 3 percent, according to various projections. Fed policymakers said its forceful actions, along with President Barack Obama's stimulus of tax cuts... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Is Obama Too Perfect? Jun 26, 2009
You mean those tax cuts Bush gave the rich, which will exprire next year. You're barking up the wrong party if you think Obama is governing for and by the rich. (CBS News)
Wow, Michael Jackson gone? Jun 26, 2009
Tax cuts that didn t trickle down ain t cheap. Reality Check. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Our Presidential Tenderfoot Jun 26, 2009
Columns, funnies in your inbox. Townhall Daily Alert Your daily must-read of conservative columns, cartoons and news. (Townhall.com)
Tilting at Green Windmills Jun 26, 2009
"This is a free-lunch faith comparable to that of those few conservatives who believe that tax cuts always completely pay for themselves by stimulating compensating revenues from economic growth.". For George Will, 4 stars and a flag--for offensive language. (Townhall.com)
1st quarter GDP dips at 5.5 percent pace Jun 26, 2009
President Barack Obama's stimulus of tax cuts and increased government spending should provide some help, along with aggressive revival efforts by the Fed, including cutting a key bank lending rate to a record low near zero. Many economists predict the economy will start growing again as soon as the third quarter, although the pace is likely to be plodding as economic recoveries after financial crises tend to be slow. (MSNBC -- Business)
Germany: Merkel is the message Jun 26, 2009
A pair of stimulus packages worth 64 billion this year and next includes tax cuts, subsidies to keep workers in their jobs and a wildly popular 2,500 bonus paid to drivers who scrap old cars and buy new ones ... Tax cuts and extra spending add up to 1. (The Economist)
Perry calls special session Jun 26, 2009
Perry noted that legislation during the regular session provided tax cuts to small businesses and increased financial aid for college students. While speaking at a luncheon Wednesday afternoon, Perry quipped that he hoped the special session would only take three or four days, and then we can all enjoy our summer. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Biden: $19B in Highway Stimulus Set Aside Jun 26, 2009
The estimate comes from a formula that uses government spending and tax cuts to predict job growth. The formula has been used by Republicans and Democrats alike, but it was built to predict jobs, not count jobs. (Time.com)
Embarrassment Jun 25, 2009
If cars were on the agenda, she only mentioned tax cuts. Is this a (right) wing nut phenomenon. (The American Conservative)
U.S. Fed holds key interest rate steady Jun 25, 2009
The sweeping economic rescue package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is designed to jolt the ailing U.S. economy by providing government spending and tax cuts for both individuals and businesses. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
Poll debunks Texas' conservative image Jun 25, 2009
Those two topics, along with infrastructure spending, were more popular than tax cuts. Texas' image as a die-hard red state "has always been exaggerated," said Dr. Daron Shaw, a University of Texas political science professor who conducted the poll. (KHOU.com, TX)
Ralph C. Carmona: Public safety cant be neglected in tough times Jun 25, 2009
We are reaping what we sowed from tax cuts for the extremely wealthy, addictions to irresponsible personal and public debts, and unregulated markets that have snowballed into an unprecedented financial collapse. This has all cascaded down to bite local governments in the public's rear end. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Fed Issues More Upbeat Outlook On Economy Jun 25, 2009
Fed policymakers said its forceful actions, along with President Barack Obama's stimulus of tax cuts and increased government spending will contribution to a "gradual "return to economic growth ... How Obama lies every time when he says 95% of Americans will receive tax cuts(only 70% pay taxes). (CBS News)
Fed Says Recession Easing, Inflation Not A Threat Jun 25, 2009
Fed Says Recession Easing, Inflation Is Tame - Money News Story - KPRC Houston. Live Cameras, Conditions. (Click2Houston, TX)
Fed stands firm on interest rate Jun 25, 2009
The Fed said its forceful actions, along with President Obama s stimulus of tax cuts and increased government spending, will contribution to a gradual return to economic growth. Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe)
Coos County jobless rate rises Jun 25, 2009
CTanner wrote on Jun 24, 2009 12:22 PM:Considering that Ronald Reagan's tax cuts were followed by 16 months of increasing unemployment, I think its wrong to blame current Administration for the increasing unemployment rate. At the very least, its a complex issue with a variety of causes stretching at least to the last two presidential Administrations (one democrat and one republican). (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
The Fed: It's Not Easy Being Ben Jun 25, 2009
The expiration of several important stimulus provisions in 2010, combined with the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts at the end of that year, threaten to become a serious drag on growth in late 2010 and into 2011. However, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to show fiscal restraint and appear to have little appetite for another large stimulus package. (BusinessWeek)
On the scale of favours routinely done by politicians for their mates and constituents, Utegate just doesn't rate. Ditto, Mr Turnbull's alleged mess. Jun 24, 2009
The Government is blowing billions on projects of dubious quality and persevering with bubble-time election policies such as the looming tax cuts that the nation doesn't particularly need or want, but the best the Opposition can manage is Utegate. It took a non-gallery journalist - Tim Colebatch in yesterday - to bell that particular feline, in his case comparing the focus on inconsequential utegate with the relatively little attention afforded the tax system. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Fed mulls tweaks to economic revival programs Jun 24, 2009
Some analysts say the economy will start growing again as soon as the July-September quarter as the Fed's actions so far, along with the federal stimulus of tax cuts and increased government spending, take hold. There have been signs of some improvements: home sales have firmed: construction activity has picked up -- albeit off record-low levels; consumer spending has stabilized following a massive cutback at the end of last year; layoffs are slowing and some credit stresses have eased. (Albany Times Union)
U.S. President Obama has said he does not think a second economic stimulus package is needed yet even though the nation's economy continues to struggle.• Obama signs sweeping economic stimulus bill into law Jun 24, 2009
The sweeping economic rescue package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is designed to jolt the ailing U.S. economy by providing government spending and tax cuts for both individuals and businesses. "I don't want to pretend that today marks the end of our economic problems nor does it constitute all of what we have to do to turn the economy around," Obama said before signing the bill. (Xinhuanet, China)
'I DON'T [SMOKE] IN FRONT OF MY KIDS'... Jun 24, 2009
A smoking 'struggle' - Ben Smith - POLITICO.com. " "Am I a daily, a constant smoker. (The Drudge Report)
Lithuania—2009 Article IV Consultation: Concluding Statement Jun 24, 2009
In the current environment, there is little scope for tax cuts. Although challenging in the context of large scale adjustment, it will also be important to provide space for social safety nets to protect the most vulnerable. (IMF News)
Obama: no new stimulus package needed yet Jun 24, 2009
The sweeping economic rescue package, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is designed to jolt the ailing U.S. economy by providing government spending and tax cuts for both individuals and businesses. Editor: Mu Xuequan. (Xinhuanet, China)
New Zealand's Consumer Confidence Rises on Lower Interest Rates, Housing Jun 24, 2009
June 24 (Bloomberg) -- New Zealands consumer confidence rose to an 18-month high in the second quarter as record-low interest rates and income tax cuts fanned expectations the economy will recover from a recession late this year. The index increased to 106. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
