We need to learn from history to prevent repeating previous errors. In these unpredictable times, the government is attempting to change policies and laws concerning taxes and federal budgets that support our most at-risk populations, favoring their agenda over our needs. It is our duty to oppose this misdirected administration by asserting our identity as residents and citizens of this nation and demanding accountability and transparency in managing our resources.
Understanding taxes can be daunting due to the complicated language and layout often used to describe them. Many of us may have the same question: “What is the Federal Income Tax?” According to the website Investopedia:
The federal income tax is the primary revenue stream for the U.S. government. However, many of us often question how federal income tax operates. When people pay taxes, they are effectively investing in their economy, receiving essential services from the government in exchange. These services include health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as education, agriculture, utilities, public transportation, and more.
It is crucial to highlight misinformation regarding the Trump administration’s claims that migrants, undocumented individuals, and immigrants solely rely on taxpayer funds and do not contribute to taxes. According to estimates from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), undocumented residents in California paid nearly $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022. This figure reflects only the state of California. It is crucial for the residents and citizens of this nation to be informed and to remain informed. There are various platforms, ranging from digital sources to books, that we can use to verify facts. This information is vital, especially if we disagree with the political dialogue, as any changes in policies and regulations related to taxes will impact your finances based on whether you vote for the Republican, Democratic, or Independent party.
Each dollar the government spends comes from taxes residents and citizens pay, contributing to the economy regardless of their legal status. We understand that many residents and citizens feel frustrated and are in survival mode, which makes it difficult to grasp how the tax system functions. We must become knowledgeable about this issue now more than ever since it concerns how our money contributes to other people’s wealth, and this needs to change. Numerous experts and activists are actively creating videos and resources that connect us to the official reasons behind how this administration is using our tax dollars. They aim to inform those willing to listen and support efforts for change that will benefit the people. For example, a video by Robert Reich explains the absolute waste that Elon’s DOGE should address in more understandable terms. Additionally, Robert Reich stated on his Facebook account:
“DOGE is a trojan horse for Elon Musk to gut labor, consumer, and environmental protections. If he genuinely wanted to cut waste, he’d examine the enormous tax loopholes, government contracts, and subsidies that favor the wealthy and large corporations.”
Another excellent video to watch is from Senator Bernie Sanders, posted nine days ago. He addresses this administration and its three allies, including Elon Musk, to explain what the oligarchs truly desire.
We emphasize that the government must advocate for “We the People,” which means no tax breaks for the wealthy. People are tired of seeing the rich get richer while the poor suffer. Real change starts with us; we must ensure our voices are heard and take action in our communities to show the government that the people are awake. We want the Trump administration to fulfill its duty and not simply benefit the wealthy few. For this reason, we need to learn about federal income tax and how it functions.
We encourage visiting Investopedia’s informative page, which breaks down resources in straightforward language about how Federal Income Tax works and how the government uses it. Just a month into the new Trump-Musk administration, we are starting to see who is pocketing our money instead of contributing back to the community.
The ongoing debate about where our tax money goes and how it functions raises important concerns, primarily stemming from two points: Trump and Musk mislead the public by fueling the belief that undocumented migrants and immigrants threaten the economy of this country. In addition they claim that many federal programs are being mismanaged under previous administrations. Yet, Elon Musk is getting $8 million a day from taxpayers.
We can no longer sacrifice our fundamental needs and healthcare benefits to finance tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations. It’s time to take a stand and persevere as Jake Johnson from Common Dreams highlights in his article titled ‘GOP Proposes $4.5 Trillion Tax Giveaway to the Rich While ‘Ransacking’ Food Stamps and Medicaid.’ The House Republicans have released a draft budget resolution that nonsensically includes $4.5 trillion in tax breaks for the wealthy and $2 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, federal nutrition assistance, and other programs.
We need to unite in solidarity and end these maneuvers that benefit the wealthy, like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. We cannot allow the spread of lies and corruption without pushing back. It’s essential to amplify the voices of working people. We hold the power to stop them, and together we can reject their nonsensical agenda.
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Good job Nanzi!