The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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June 24, 2009

Your View: Progressive tax solution a better idea

By Samantha Barnett and Renee Bodenschatz, Mankato

We are concerned about the economic status of the United States and those affected by poverty. The United States is in a recession that is affecting many people.

In 2007, 37.3 million people were living in poverty, an increase from 36.5 million in 2006. The largest percent of people living in poverty are children under the age of 18.

Due to our economic deficit, more and more people are getting laid off, resulting in not only a loss of employment, but also a loss of insurance, secure income and the ability to live as comfortably as one would think.

As more people become unemployed, the economy as a whole suffers. As inflation in the United States continues to rise, the number of people employed continues to fall, creating an unstable economy and living status for citizens.

The Department of Labor states that 651,000 jobs were lost in 2009 and the unemployment rate is up to 8.1 percent. This is the highest unemployment rate in the United States since 1983.

These facts and figures show how America is suffering economically, and shows the need for a change in our economy to better the lives of all citizens of the United States. The governor’s unallotment proposal for cuts in health and human services seems to be the worst time to cut funding for programs that help people become more economically stable. Money should not be taken away from programs that help people improve their quality of life.

We feel that a progressive tax system would be a better solution to resolve this issue.

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