Swiss Solutions

An impressive solution to poverty and entitlements from the Swiss was discussed in the New York Times column, It's the Economy.  Pushing people up, out of poverty, without incentivizing staying out of work makes a lot of sense, and I had no idea that this concept has been tried out in the US already, with positive results.  Not bad Swiss... not bad at all.

Ultrawealthy New Yorkers Under de Blasio

Image: seniorsforademocraticsociety.wordpress.com

The New York Times column, Common Sense, featured a piece on our new mayor, Bill de Blasio's plan to tax the rich to give to the poor, but brings up the ultrawealthy, who currently (under Bloomberg) have been lured to NYC by generous tax incentives and simply "park" their assets in the city.  Since the tax law says that those who spend more than half their year in NYC (or 183 days) have to pay city income tax, there are many who have offices (companies even) and apartments in the city, but due to their other homes (on Long Island, in Connecticut, in LA, in Aspen), can make sure not to be living in  the city more than 182 days.  This seems like a significant place of wealth that should be taxed to provide services for the rest of the city that supports that lifestyle.

Poverty Levels in America

Photo: Brenda Ann Kenneally, The New Yorker

 

The New York Times had a VERY interesting look at the poverty levels in America, misconceptions about those statistics, and what levels of support should be given to that very large sector of our population.