Obama leaves door open to tax on health benefits

Yahoo ^ | 6/24/09 | DAVID ESPO

[Nachum]

President Barack Obama left the door open to a new tax on health care benefits Wednesday, and officials said top lawmakers and the White House were seeking $150 billion in concessions from the nation's hospitals as they sought support for legislation struggling to emerge in Congress.

"I don't want to prejudge what they're doing," the president said, referring to proposals in the Senate to tax workers who get expensive insurance policies. Obama, who campaigned against the tax when he ran for president, drew a quick rebuff from one union president.

[Nachum]

The list, ping

[Dilbert San Diego]

Well of course he’s open to a new tax. They have been floating the idea of the value added tax, and increases in other taxes such as the cigarette tax.

With trillion dollar deficits as far as the eye can see, on top of the $11+ trillion official national debt, and tens of trillions of debt “off the books”, of course he wants new taxes. A good Democrat can’t cut spending, unless it’s defense spending.

[paul in cape]

Look closely at the bill. Unions are exempt. Backdoor way to increase membership by blackmailing companies to accept single payer healthcare, and force employees to join both the plan and the union, since collected bargained-for members don't have to pay the tax.

Truly incidious!

[FortWorthPatriot]

I am getting so damn sick of this bastard.

[goodnesswins]

Say it LOUDER....UNIONS are exempt.

[MtnClimber]

I want a “claw back tax” to get back money appropriated by free spenders in government. And I don’t care if they can’t pay. Hard labor at minimum wage will work too! The longer the better.

[varina davis]

I saw the ABC infomercial. Now not only do we have an abortionist in the White House, we also have an euthenasiast. Lord help us all.

[Trajan88]

I’m sure taxing Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA distributions @ retirement will soon be on the table too... don’t laugh... it will be proposed... I PROMISE.

[Kakaze]

What I heard him say ( obama), was that he wants to not tax just health care but cap itemized deductions over 250k ( gross)

That is insane, for small business.

[EVO X]

I’m sure taxing Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA distributions @ retirement will soon be on the table too... don’t laugh... it will be proposed... I PROMISE.

You never know with these b@stards, but I think what would be more likely is a reduction of the yearly contribution amount. Only about 20% of eligible Americans fund Roth accounts, so there wouldn't be a huge public outcry if they messed with it..