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Dennis Kucinich on Taxes and Budget

This candidate has withdrawn from the election
Strongly supports an increase in taxes for the wealthiest Americans

KUCINICH: No, actually the tax cuts that go to people in the top brackets ought to be repealed and ought to be put into a fund to provide for universal college education, free tuition for the 12 million American students who are currently attending public colleges and universities.

Source: Democratic Presidential 2004 Primary Debate in Detroit Oct 27, 2003

Is neutral on tax cuts for middle-class families

Voted yes on providing tax relief and simplification

Bill sponsored by Bill Rep Thomas [R, CA-22]; Bill H.R.1308 ; vote number 2004-472 on Sep 23, 2004

Supported Progressive Tax Caucus's position paper on taxation, which states:The Progressive Caucus believes that tax relief must flow to those who need it the most, the working class and people with limited incomes. We have endorsed an idea called the American People's Dividend. We'll give a dividend to every American, because every American is an equal shareholder in America. We estimate the total cost to be about $900 billion over 10 years. The plan will give to every person about a $300 refundable tax credit. A married couple with 3 children will receive $1500, $300 for each member of the family. This plan is simple, easy to administer, and progressive. The plan could provide an economic stimulus since it would put money in people's pockets immediately. Unlike the Bush proposal, which reserves 40% of the tax benefits for the wealthiest 1% of the population, our proposal gives the wealthiest 1% exactly 1% of the tax relief. This makes the bulk of tax relief available for the bulk of the population. The American People's Dividend is payable every year the federal budget is in surplus.

Progressive Caucus Press Release, "Tax Relief" 01-CPC2 on Feb 8, 2001

Strongly opposes a flat tax system across income levels

KUCINICH: No, actually the tax cuts that go to people in the top brackets ought to be repealed and ought to be put into a fund to provide for universal college education, free tuition for the 12 million American students who are currently attending public colleges and universities..

Source: Democratic Presidential 2004 Primary Debate in Detroit Oct 27, 2003

Well, I think it's defined when you consider that the top 272,000 taxpayers are getting as much of a benefit under the Bush tax cut as the bottom 129 million. So I think that what's happening in this society is, there is a maldistribution of the wealth."

Debate at Pace University in Lower Manhattan Sep 25, 2003

Opposes a Constitutional amendment that would require Congress and the President to balance the budget each year

"To find the appropriate balance, budget priorities should support programs that help people in the greatest need."

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Strongly opposes eliminating taxes on estates after an individual's death

Voted NO on eliminating estate tax

Bill sponsored by Dunn, R-WA; Bill HR 8 ; vote number 2001-84 on Apr 4, 2001

Opposes the elimination of the marriage penalty which more greatly taxes couples with similar incomes

A: I will repeal the tax cuts to the very wealthy, restoring the top two and a half income brackets and taxes on investments and estates (modifying the estate tax to protect small farms). I will retain the child tax credit expansion and extend it to the low-income families who were left out. I will retain the elimination of the marriage penalty.

Associated Press policy Q&A, "Taxes" Jan 25, 2004

Voted NO on eliminating marriage penalty

Marriage Penalty Relief; Bill HR 4181 ; vote number 2004-138 on Apr 28, 2004

Is neutral on the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax

Voted against repeal of Alternative Minimum Tax

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Voted YES on Temporary Tax Relief Act of 2007, a bill that would shelter middle class families from the alternative minimum tax while making up the lost revenue by requiring managers of investment partnerships such as private equity firms to pay ordinary income tax rates on their earnings.

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Strongly opposes the reduction of taxes on capital gains

Favors strengthened capital gains and dividend taxes and expansion of child tax credit to more families, Voted to reduce federal spending by $56.1 billion over five years by retaining a reduced tax rate on capital gains and dividends, as well as.

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