Public economics
Grassroots movement afoot in Canada to raise taxes on top earners
As American political leaders debate ways to cut taxes, in Canada there’s a different effort underway. A group of wealthy doctors are among a growing group of people calling for increased taxes on the top 10 percent of income earners as a way to fund Canadian programs and infrastructure.
American privilege comes with a cost — but is it too high?
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner made what some have called an outrageous claim about the roles of American citizens and their government, in calling for the most fortunate Americans to bear the burden of the privilege of being an American by paying higher taxes. Is it a privilege to be an American? And if so … what does that privilege cost?
Congress sends unemployment, payroll tax cut extension to President Obama’s desk
After a couple months of wrangling, Congress has sent a bill to President Obama that extends through the end of the year payroll tax cuts, unemployment benefits and a fix in reimbursement rates for doctors doing work on Medicare patients.
Republicans signal willingness to compromise on payroll tax cut extension
In December, Republicans and Democrats managed to extend a payroll tax cut, unemployment benefits and a fix for Medicare payments. That extension runs out at the end of the month but, at least when it comes to the payroll tax cut, Republicans are willing to offer another extension through the end of the year.
Greece on fire as protesters decry government’s decision on austerity measures
Some 40 buildings were set ablaze as protesters in Athens, Greece, rallied in the streets to demand the government stop imposing more austerity measures on the country — conditions that European finance ministers have insisted on in order to release the latest round of bailout funding.