Majority of Americans support a 70% tax rate for mega-rich

"I don't think it's surprising. What we see, overall, is that the vast majority of Americans know that income inequality is one of the biggest issues of our time."

901
SOURCENationofChange
Image Credit: Elaine Thompson/The Associated Press

So much for a “radical” idea: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s proposal to raise America’s highest tax rate to 70 percent seems to be popular with the majority of Americans.

In a new poll conducted by The Hill, in partnership with research firm HarrisX, responses show that 59 percent of the U.S. public supports raising the marginal tax rate on the richest Americans to 70 percent. What may be even more surprising is that the poll also found that nearly half – 45 percent – of Republicans support the idea. 71 percent of Democratic respondents support it as well.

The poll also showed that women support the idea by a 62-38 margin, men were in favor of it with a 55 percent to 45 percent margin, and Independent voters backed it by a 60 to 40 percent margin.

The results are in stark contrast with the GOP’s response to the proposal. Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA) responded to the idea claiming Democrats are trying to “take away 70% of your income and give it to leftist fantasy programs,” while others said that it has “no basis in research or evidence.”

After The Hill published the results to the poll, Ocasio-Cortez responded on Twitter, “We can win public sentiment, stand our ground, & not be scared by GOP information.”

The newly elected Representative also told The Hill, “I don’t think it’s surprising. What we see, overall, is that the vast majority of Americans know that income inequality is one of the biggest issues of our time.”

“This is a policy that is already popular and it’s time that we embrace working Americans and it’s time that the Democratic Party fights in a full-throated manner for the working class in the United States and to not support a marginal tax rate is to really just allow runaway wealth and inequality to persist,” she continued.

Although the GOP clearly doesn’t support a 70 percent tax rate, many journalists and economists have pointed out that in the 1980s the tax rate for incomes above $216,000 was at 70 percent and that economic growth has declined alongside the falling tax rates on high-income earners.

FALL FUNDRAISER

If you liked this article, please donate $5 to keep NationofChange online through November.

SHARE
Previous articleDemocrats are afraid of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez too. And that’s a good thing.
Next articleResearchers say, if we phase out fossil fuel, we can combat climate change
Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to progressive causes. Driven by a desire to educate and inspire, Alexandra focuses her writing on a range of progressive issues, aiming to foster positive change both domestically and internationally. Her work is characterized by a strong commitment to community empowerment and a belief in the power of informed public action. As a mother, Alexandra brings a unique and personal perspective to her activism, understanding the importance of shaping a better world for future generations. Her writing not only highlights the challenges we face but also champions the potential for collective action to create a more equitable and sustainable world.

COMMENTS