The next session of the Cafe Society discussions will focus on adjustments that should be considered in order to make the U.S. tax structure more equitable. With the increasing economic and social stratification of or society “use taxes” such as the gasoline and sales taxes and other formulations place a disproportionate burden on lower-income levels that are really struggling. Their earning power is not keeping pace with rising costs and heavy demands on the small amount of discretionary spending that they do have. The discussions are held each Tuesday from 8:30 until 10 a.m. in the Rumsey Room of the Shepherd University Student Center. Students and community members are encouraged to participate. There are no registration requirements or fees.

Mike Austin, co-facilitator of the sessions along with Art Wineburg commented, “There are lots of jokes about the inevitability of death and taxes. But they aren’t so funny anymore. Many of our more affluent individual and corporate tax payers have the means to largely avoid paying taxes, particularly on unearned income. Such maneuvers are often touted as “good business practices.”

Austin expressed, “The great majority of our diminishing breed of wage earners does not have the luxury of hiring lawyers and accountants to manipulate the system to their advantage. In case you haven’t noticed, the “trickle down system” isn’t working. While the U.S. is unique among nations in our ability to generate tax revenue, the credibility of the IRS and public perception of the fairness of our tax systems at the state as well as Federal levels is deteriorating.”

Austin also added that Dr. Jim Bowen will lead the next two sessions during his absence. Dr. Bowen brings his professional experience and insight from living and working as a veterinarian in the U.K. and with the European Union to the table.

For additional information, Mike Austin at 304-876-0598 or Wineburg at 304-876-2586.