Marriage Tax

It amazes me that the new Congress isn’t going to consider abolishing the marriage penalty. When Bill Cinton was governor of Arkansas, Hillary was a lawyer earning $200,000 per year. Clinton earned approximately $35,000 per year. If Clinton were living in California, he would have to pay almost 60% in taxes, leaving him with $14,000. This is an extreme example but it is useful in showing how the system works. This is an obscene practice.

There are many valuable members of the work force who are married to individuals who earn a significantly higher salary. The federal government insists on taxing the lower salary at the higher tax rate for married couples. These people are forced to work for near minimum wage since the government insists on taking most of their salary in tax. This is an unfair practice and sends the wrong message about the value of marriage.

JEFFREY REISSMAN Santa Ana