Ok – you remember my definition of “mixed emotions” — watching your mother-in-law drive your brand new car over the cliff. I’m thinking President Obama’s budget proposal might just generate a few of those same feelings in some of his most ardent supporters. <\/p>\n
Seems his new tax plan reduces the deductions for charitable contributions for those who earn over $250,000\/year. This negatively impacts the small\/medium size local businesses – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dick Anderson Construction, Van’s Thriftway, the local banks and credit unions, Power Townsend, etc., etc., etc. – that always seem to come forward to support our community’s various non-profit organizations: The Symphony, Grand Street Theatre, Helena Chamber Singers, the Myrna Loy, the Holter Museum, the Florence Crittendon Home, – the list just goes on and on. Every non-profit group and cause in town counts on the business community to donate to their events, fundraisers, productions, performances, whatever.<\/p>\n
What happens next year when businesses profits are down because of the economy and they don’t get the same financial break to support these organizations? Do you suppose those non-profits find their funding goes down too? Yep, you betcha. <\/p>\n
And all those arsty-fartsy, bleeding-heart, business-bashing, do-gooders who voted for Obama and support his anti-business tax policies will find their calls for help for this, that, or the other worthy cause might not receive the same positive response.<\/p>\n
I hope the local businesses answer those requests for donations with a succinct, “I’d really like to help you out, but I already gave – to President Obama’s economic stimulus, bank bail-out, budget-busting, and universal health care fund. I thought you’d be thrilled.”<\/p>\n
Update:<\/em> Here’s another little gem to add to the mix. You know that “tax break” we’ll be getting in our paychecks in a few weeks courtesy of Barack the Magnificent? The big $13 a week? Turns out that’s a case of giving with one hand and taking away with the other too. Seems the Feds are changing the WITHOLDING SCHEDULES but not the TAX TABLES. So you’ll get a little more now, but in April 2010 you’ll end up owing another $700. Hope! Change! Depression! Pass the Prozac.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ok – you remember my definition of “mixed emotions” — watching your mother-in-law drive your brand new car over the cliff. I’m thinking President Obama’s budget proposal might just generate a few of those same feelings in some of his … Continue reading