One rural senior citizen's support for Jon Huntsman

Jon Huntsman wants to reform the Federal Tax Code for individuals

This is something I can really understand. I’ve personally lost my trust of my elected officials, and many of the government (federal, state, and local) agencies. There are issues from “say one thing and do another, or nothing”; tell me you’re helping me, when you are only screwing things up; making my life miserable with more forms, more intrusive questions, etc.

Let’s look at his plan, point by point.

Reform our 17,000 page tax code. He will eliminate every last loophole, subsidy and carve-out. He will use that revenue to lower rates across the board, for individuals and businesses. Governor Huntsman will create a tax code that is flatter and simpler; one that opens up economic opportunities for all our citizens, makes us more competitive, and ends corporate welfare and crony capitalism, once and for all.

For individual taxes:

Jon supports a version of the Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson plan that virtually re-writes the tax code. He wants to simplify the code by eliminating all deductions and tax credits, while lowering the tax brackets to 8%, 14%, and 23%. This should greatly reduce the burden on individual taxpayers.

Here’s what the 2011 tax rates look like for a single tax payer.

Under the new simplified plan, Governor Huntsman will eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax, which is not indexed for inflation and is penalizing an increasing number of families and small businesses. This tax is especially burdensome on the majority of small business owners who file as individuals.

I personally believe this is one of the most burdensome taxes ever devised. Besides not being indexed for inflation, it truly penalizes folks who are rapidly successful. What's worse, you don't know if you're subject to the AMT until you prepare your tax return. That sure eliminates any planning to either have your W-4 adjusted to cover the added taxes, or to have the money in savings. If you're making over $74K and have a second mortgage, kids, etc... you're probably in that AMT bracket... and it hurts!

Ok, that takes care of what Huntsman wants to do for us.

In the next post, I'll look at how he want's to change the taxes for businesses.

I like Jon Huntsman for the Repulican Presidential bid.

I like Jon Huntsman, and here’s why.

Before 2006, I had no idea who he was. Then I moved to Utah. When he “fixed” health care, so more Utahn’s had access to health care, I took notice. Then, he loosen Utah’s strict and goofy liquor laws, telling the world that Utah was out of step with the rest of the world.

Now, I’m one of those more centrist Republicans. I firmly believe in capitalism, having been a small business owner for nearly 20 years. I also served as an officer in the USMC during the Viet Nam era. While I was never “in country”, a lot of my world view was shaped by those experiences (military service and business ownership).

I’ve watched nearly every debate, and have listened to CNN hours on end, and get excited when Gov. Huntsman gets a little free press. His ideas, and goals just make so much sense.

In this blog, I plan to take Gov. Huntsman’s 69 point plan apart and explore each one. I have no idea if I agree with each one, or if there are things that I believe could be done better (from my point of view).

As a 66-year-old, single woman who is living on a very restricted SS income, I depend upon Medicare and Medicaid, so my ears always per up when candidates discuss those issues. My military background has my antennae up when they talk defense issues. My sharp eyes pay attention to business and debt issues like spending and paying down the debt. The woman in me makes me pay attention to health issues and social issues.

Ok, there’s lots to do and little time… Join me as we explore Jon Huntsman’s bid for the Republican Presidential effort.