Yes, we can.

Alex · 02-15-2008, 07:14 PM

Interesting to note, also, that if we did go back in time and expand the definition so that all income taxes fell under the geographic apportionment, this would really screw the red states which tend to be poorer.

Just to use really rough figures, let's say the government wanted to collect $1 trillion in revenue from income taxes.

Based on population apportionment this would mean that Mississippi and Connecticut would each need to contribute approximately $10 billion (really, 0.95% and 1.15% but let's round off).

Mississippi has 1.12 million households with an average household income of $34,000 for a total of $38.08 billion in income available for taxing.

Connecticut has 1.37 million households with an average household income of $60,500 for a total of $82.89 billion in income available for taxing.

So, for each state to contribute its $10 billion to the federal revenues, Mississippi income would be taxed at 26% and Connecticut income at 12%.

Let's go back to that method and see how quickly the fine people of Missisippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah, etc. suddenly realize that it would be a good idea to pass the 16th Amendment again.

Yes, I did just post three times in a row. I suck at the internets.

02-15-2008, 07:14 PM	#10
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Interesting to note, also, that if we did go back in time and expand the definition so that all income taxes fell under the geographic apportionment, this would really screw the red states which tend to be poorer. Just to use really rough figures, let's say the government wanted to collect $1 trillion in revenue from income taxes. Based on population apportionment this would mean that Mississippi and Connecticut would each need to contribute approximately $10 billion (really, 0.95% and 1.15% but let's round off). Mississippi has 1.12 million households with an average household income of $34,000 for a total of $38.08 billion in income available for taxing. Connecticut has 1.37 million households with an average household income of $60,500 for a total of $82.89 billion in income available for taxing. So, for each state to contribute its $10 billion to the federal revenues, Mississippi income would be taxed at 26% and Connecticut income at 12%. Let's go back to that method and see how quickly the fine people of Missisippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Utah, etc. suddenly realize that it would be a good idea to pass the 16th Amendment again. Yes, I did just post three times in a row. I suck at the internets.
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