Taxes needed

President Joe Biden has put forward his budget, but the Republicans have yet to begin the process of negotiating the budget. What is being argued is whether we pay for debts already incurred, which has rarely been a question since our government’s inception.

Biden’s budget proposes to increase taxes on citizens making more than $400,000 per year. That means anyone making $400,000 or less will not see increased taxes. That includes most of the American public. For citizens making more than $400,000 a year, it makes sense that they would contribute back some of your earnings. You may not feel that way, but I would like you to think about the following.

No one does anything alone. In fact, the ability to dream up an idea for a new business, the ability for you to advance depends on dozens of people, if not more, who support you. Employees, public servants, infrastructure, colleagues and your family members all contribute to your success and advancement.

The higher a person rises in income and advancement, more and more people are working just as hard as you for a lot less compensation, so that you and your company or you and your family can keep advancing.

The notion that taxes redistribute your wealth is a misunderstanding with huge consequences. Since President Ronald Reagan, Republicans have continued to assert that if only we reduce taxes, everyone will be better off. Yet that has never been proven true. Quite the opposite happens: The rich keep getting richer.

— Susan Feathers, Virginia Beach