Who Pays More Taxes?
Every once in a while–usually somewhere within a long screed extolling the virtues of a more socialistic America–the rhetorical point has been brought up that politically Democratic states pay more taxes than politically Republican states (who, by extension, benefit by getting more tax dallars). Well, the Tax Foundation has done some deep digging and has broken down the taxes paid on the Congressional District level. They provide detailed findings and promise even more soon. In the meantime, here is their summar (via Barone):
Overall, Republican districts have an average effective rate of 11.1%, and districts represented by Democratic members also have an average effective rate of 11.1%. Overall, Democrats tend to represent disproportionately the very low-taxpaying districts, as well as a large share of the very high-taxpaying districts. For example, Democrats represent 29 of the top 50 taxpaying districts, while they also represent 43 of the bottom 50 taxpaying districts.
So Republicans ARE the “middle class!”
No, no, no, Ragin.
We’re cognac sipping, natural pearl wearing, peasant grinding, yacht and country club dwellers. (Excuse me, I have to see to the arrival of our latest polo ponies.)