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Flashback: Two Days Ago, Nelson Said Taxes in Bill Were "Not Acceptable"

By Philip Klein on 12.19.09 @ 2:10PM

On Thursday, Sen. Ben Nelson told a Nebraska radio station that the tax increases in the Senate health care bill were "not acceptable," especially given the economic climate. But this morning he announced his support for the revised bill, which includes even higher tax hikes than the earlier version he criticized.

Here was what Nelson had to say when asked about tax increases in the bill just two days ago (you can listen here, around the 9 minute mark):

"The problem with the legislation is, it is complex, and it is further complicated by tax increases as a means of funding extending coverage, to people who currently have it. There is no free ride here. If you’re going to extend coverage, obviously, there has to be some mechanism to raise the money. The way in which money is raised is not acceptable. If there isn’t a way to raise the money in tight times, I think you have to look at a scaled back version."

Yet according to the Congressional Budget Office, the revised Reid bill not only maintains the major tax increases, but actually raises taxes by an additional $12 billion on a net basis, bringing the total to $498 billion.

Specifically, the revised bill stiffens the tax penalties for those who don’t purchase insurance, raising an additional $7 billion. It also raises the new Medicare tax on individuals making over $200,000 and families making over $250,000. The new additional tax on payrolls during a time of double-digit unemployment would now be 0.9%, instead of the 0.5% originally proposed by Reid. And instead of a 5 percent "botox tax," there's a 10 percent tax on indoor tanning.

View all comments (8) | Leave a comment

Oldefarte| 12.19.09 @ 3:00PM

I hope this bill taxes the hell out of everyone so that the morons who voted thiese crooks into office will suffer for their stupidity!

Dell| 12.19.09 @ 3:32PM

"The new additional tax on payrolls during a time of double-digit unemployment would now be 0.9%, instead of the 0.5% originally proposed by Reid."

Old Harry came within a whisker of DOUBLING the payroll tax all by himself - and without one word of debate - and still no one says a word.

And do they honestly believe they'll collect a DIME from those who don't buy the insurance? They probably won't buy the insurance because they can't afford it, so how can they afford to pay the fine? Guess you'll just have to throw 'em in the slammer!

What this administration continues to get away with is going to cause some extremely serious repercussions. And that's putting it mildly.

Yosemeti Sam| 12.20.09 @ 1:23AM

Nelson speak:

" ... tax increases in the Senate health care bill were "not acceptable ...."

Empty political bravado.

Harrison Bergeron| 12.20.09 @ 2:23AM

We have had two Senators bribed with our tax dollars on a bill the senate has not yet debated. Socialism is antithetical to Democracy. I do not consider the acts of this government binding any longer. This is not the "due precess" guaranteed by the Constitution. Civil disobedience is coming.

Franklin| 12.20.09 @ 8:10AM

Civil disobedience. What would that be?

1) If you're employed, reduce the amount of taxes taken out of your paycheck by increasing the amount of deductions. Then don't pay those taxes come April 15th.

That's a scary thought for someone who plays by the rules all their life. But if we all do it, we stand united.

2) If you don't need health care, don't pay the fine for not getting insurance.

3) Join a Tea Party.

4) What else?

Richard Baker| 12.20.09 @ 11:49AM

Franklin:
Unfortunately, we are on the edge of a shooting Revolution because the government of this country is now acting like King George III, Lord North, and Parliament did in the 1770s. Like all tyrants, the Kenyan ignores anyone who disagrees but will soon understand that Liberty and Freedom are very deeply rooted in our society. Sad that it will be thus but Paul Revere's call of "To Arms" will be repeated and answered. Also, if I were the Kenyan, I'd not depend upon the Military to aid him in his subjugation of the Citizens of this country. That's the reason he speaks of a National Police Force with DOD-level funding.

cindy| 12.20.09 @ 4:11PM

I'm mad at Boxer and Fienstien for not having the decency to hold out for some bonus bucks for our bankrupt state. They are the worst type of Liberal Statists, they will take down the people who vote for them for the common good without a second thought. I am happy to report that the great people of California are ready to pay them back in kind. Boxer and Fienstein we are going to take you down.