MA 2015 Budget (Passed)

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

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Sponsor: Windjammer

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Would it be possible for us to get an estimate on what portion of the population fits into each tax bracket?

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I definitely support removing the sales tax.

As do I. This is something that could make a real impact on the lives of poor and middle class citizens.

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This seems good to me. We're significantly reducing the tax burden on the poor and middle class while still procuring a decent surplus.

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Representatives have 36 hours to object to Windjammer's amendment.

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A vote is now open on Windjammer's amendment. Please vote AYE, NAY, or Abstain. Voting will last 72 hours or until a majority has been reached.


Vivaportugalhabs, is that the final version of your amendment, or are you still working on the revenue estimates?

Also, JCL: the creation of a property tax allows us to eliminate the sales tax, eliminate the income tax for persons earning less that $40,000 a year, and still leaves us with enough revenue to increase education funding. This will amount to a tax cut for the people who need it most while only minimally increasing the burden on those who can afford it.

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AYE!

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I don't 100% know how to generate an estimate. Do I just kinda eyeball it?

This would be my idea (using the beer tax as an example):

Under the current tax rate, for every gallon of beer sold, we get 35 cents back. This generates roughly $0.8 Billion in revenue. Your amendment raises the tax per gallon to 40 cents, generating a yet unknown amount of revenue.

g=number of gallons sold

.35g= 800,000,000
.40g= ?

By dividing 800,000,000 by .35, we can determine the estimated number of gallons sold. Multiplying that number by .40 gives us our new estimate.

g=2,285,714,285
.40g=914,285,714 or $0.914 billion

In short, you divide the current revenue estimate by the current tax rate, multiply the quotient by the new tax rate, and voila.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

By a vote of 3 AYES, 0 Nays, and 1 member not voting, Windjammer's amendment has been adopted.

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VPH, I think you forgot to edit the total at the end of the expenditures section. It should read $282.72, not $278.98.

In any case, Representatives have 36 hours to object to Vivaportugalhabs amendment.


I would remind my fellow Representatives that, as the new rules require final votes to last 72 hours, we realistically need to conclude debate by the end of the week if we're going to get this passed by July 1 or else temporarily extend the 2014 budget.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

Seeing no objection, Vivaportugalhabs' amendment has been adopted.

As debate has stalled for more than 36 hours, I motion for a final vote. Representatives have 24 hours to object.

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Seeing no objection, a final vote has been called on this bill. Please vote AYE, NAY, or Abstain. Voting will last 72 hours or until all Representatives have voted.

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AYE!

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With 4 Ayes, 1 Nay, and no abstentions, this bill has passed the Assembly.

[Unconditional Surrender Truman]

With 4 Ayes, 1 Nay, and no abstentions, this bill has passed the Assembly.

I only see 3 Ayes and my Nay.

You're correct. Sorry about that.