Make the Greedy [Half] Millionaires Pay!
Chanting and drumming are one thing, but setting tax policy is another, as California’s teachers’ unions are learning:
The state’s largest teacher’s union seems to be having reservations about a proposed “millionaire’s tax,” even as labor groups hash out strategies for next year’s elections.
Dean Vogel, president of the powerful California Teachers Association, says a tax on people making $1 million a year or more — a levy being pushed by the smaller California Federation of Teachers — won’t generate enough revenue. He also worries that having more than one tax initiative on the November 2012 ballot would turn off voters.
Not to worry! The “millionaire’s tax” is so last month. CFT is moving on to a half-millionaire’s tax.
Originally, the plan called for an increase on those earning a million dollars or more a year. But as it works out the details, the CFT is now looking at taxing those who make $500,000 or more a year.
Better be careful. Set it a little lower and the tax might impact union officers.
Many in the community, including the Alameda Labor Council and many unions as well as community organizations, have supported Occupy Oakland. The California Nurses Association staffed the camp’s first aid clinic, and the Oakland Education Association funded the porta-potties.
The jokes write themselves, folks.
