"The majority of the effective tax rate paid was determined by actual taxes, state and federal, income and payroll, (which I don't think you can reasonably dispute)"
Federal income tax isn't a factor and the rest are either fixed, your property tax or sales tax isn't scaled to income, or a fixed percentage. So they can be discounted.
"by the effective subsidy for insurance provided by Medicaid and SCHIP"
This is the biggest chunk of money. One that isn't a factor for the vast majority.
"and for some by section 8 housing (and the information I posted about it was clearly accurate)."
Which isn't a factor for most. The hurdles are high and the waiting list is long. Takes a lot of time that someone with a joh doesn't have to meet the qualifications, at least in most states.
"A $100 or $200 less, or even the total elimination of the TANF funds doesn't make a very big difference."
It isn't a factor at all for those who make more than, say, $400 a month. Which wasn't the focus of the article. Yet it included it.
"Not maximizing your other possible benefits could, but subtract 25% off the effective marginal rate (a huge change) and your still facing rates of 50 to 100%"
Where did you get the 25%? Oh, that is right. Hand waving again.
I can make up numbers also to illustrate a real problem. However, bad numbers don't make the argument stronger, but it does give a basis to dismiss it. This guy was more interested in beating his particular drum instead of being accurate. That is ok, I suppose... |
