John,

New data shows that for the first time in U.S. history, the 400 wealthiest Americans are paying a lower average tax rate (counting federal, state and local taxes) than any other income group, including middle-class and low-income families.[1]

As the New York Times’ David Leonhardt writes:

“The American economy just doesn’t function very well when tax rates on the rich are low and inequality is sky high….[R]aising high-end taxes isn’t about punishing the rich (who, by the way, will still be rich). It’s about creating an economy that works better for the vast majority of Americans.”

Thanks to our work together educating friends, family and communities, a large majority of Americans now favor increased taxes on the wealthy and corporations to pay for critical needs. And Democratic candidates and elected officials are responding with plans to do just that.

Next week, 12 Democratic presidential candidates will step onto the debate stage to see who will take on Donald Trump in 2020.

11 out of 12 want to roll back the Trump-GOP tax scam.

8 out of 12 want to raise the top tax rate on individuals and make sure that the wealthy pay the same much higher tax rate on their income from investments as they pay on their salaries.

And 6 out of 12 support a wealth tax on the very rich.

Click here to check out Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund’s interactive website to see where each Democratic presidential candidate stands on progressive tax reform and compare the candidates’ plans head-to-head.

Tax proposals by the Democratic presidential candidates now include innovative plans for carbon taxes to combat devastating global climate change, a Wall Street sales tax (aka a financial transaction tax), a strengthened estate tax for the very rich and more. The sheer number of new, progressive tax proposals by the Democratic candidates signals a tipping point in our fight to create a fair and just tax system.

These tax proposals are a clear reaction to the $2 trillion cost of the Trump-GOP tax cuts that largely benefit the wealthy and big corporations and have emerged as a key issue in the Democratic primary.

Pitch in $5 or more today to fuel our fight for a progressive tax system that builds an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Together, we’re creating a critical counter-weight to the high-priced Wall Street lobbyists on Capitol Hill and their allies in Congress who help maintain a rigged economic system that has so many Americans standing still, if not stuck in reverse. And we’re providing candidates and elected officials with the data and research they need to help advance a progressive tax reform agenda for all Americans.

Thank you for all you do,

Craig Johnson

Digital Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund

[1] “The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes than You,” New York Times, October 6, 2019