Our third question is from Jeff Yegian:
What role should the Federal government play in influencing the distribution of income and wealth in our country?
Will Shafroth:
The first thing we need to do is eliminate the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. I would not vote to extend them.
Second, I would support a stimulus package that would primarily benefit the lower and middle class in our country.
While these two steps are important, we need to take a long term view of how to create real structural change in our economy.
Specific steps include creating a new energy economy by investing in renewable energy technology and development. This is where our economy must go to address a declining oil supply and the imminent threat of global warming.
I also believe that we need to provide access to quality and affordable health care to all Americans, with an emphasis on prevention and wellness so we have a healthier population that is better able compete in the global economy.
Joan Fitz-Gerald:
Our taxation system over the last 8 years has been prejudiced in favor of the wealthy, income is taxed more heavily than investments. It is in the best interest of the nation to have a strong middle class and our taxation system should be encouraging their prosperity. Getting rid of the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy is a great first step.
Jared Polis:
The federal government should make sure that every American has the opportunity to succeed. That includes a quality public education and medical care. The federal income tax is progressive, and that is particularly important because many other state and local taxes like sales tax are regressive.
In the last decade, the rich have gotten richer and the poor have gotten poorer, making the American Dream further out of reach for many working families. Federal policy should encourage the growth of the middle class, support the organized labor movement, and make sure that we have a strong foundation to grow on for the future.
