Research Briefing

Here’s How Main Street Would Look If All Of Obama’s Liberal Agenda Were Implemented

HOW WOULD MAIN STREET LOOK UNDER OBAMA’S LIBERAL AGENDA?

NEED TO STOP BY THE GROCERY STORE? Obama’s Value-Added Tax Would Increase The Price Of Groceries And Services. “The VAT is a tax on the transfer of goods and services that ultimately is borne by the consumer ... It would increase the cost of just about everything, from a carton of eggs to a visit with a lawyer.” (Lori Montgomery, “Once Considered Unthinkable, U.S. Sales Tax Gets Fresh Look,” The Washington Post, 5/27/09)

IS YOUR CAR RUNNING ON EMPTY? Obama’s Cap-And-Trade National Energy Tax Will Mean Higher Gas Prices. “NACS is concerned that certain provisions in pending legislation (such as the allocation of allowances) may result in dramatically higher costs for motor fuels, which will significantly distress our customers...The leading proposals in the House and Senate will have a massive impact on virtually every aspect of the American economy. To ensure that consumers and small business owners do not bear an unreasonable economic burden, it is essential that Congress reconsider the direction in which it is currently heading.” (Letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member Joe Barton, National Association of Convenience Stores, 6/23/09)

BUYING A NEW CAR? Local Auto Dealers Say Obama’s Financial Reform Bill Goes After “The Wrong People” And Would “Drive Up The Cost Of Auto Financing.” “The dealers say the measure would drive up the cost of auto financing because it would require hiring more people to follow federal regulations. They say it also could limit the types of financial products they offer. ‘It’s dangerous and it’s aiming at the wrong people,’ said Ed Tonkin, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association. ‘It’s using a sledgehammer to go after a gnat, and we’re not that gnat.’” (Damian Paletta and Victoria McGrane, “Car Dealers Seek Exemption,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/28/10)

OR DO YOU PREFER RIDING A MOTORCYCLE? Companies Like Harley-Davidson Worried Obama’s Financial Reform Bill Could Hurt Their Business. “Harley-Davidson is worried that its dealer-financed loans to bikers will fall victim to new federal financing regulations … The lobbying push by these other industries shows just how broadly the legislation could affect businesses.” (Eric Lichtblau and Ron Nixon, “Off Wall St., Worries About Financial Bill,” The New York Times, 4/26/10)

DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A LOAN FROM THE LOCAL BANK? Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) Says Obama-Dodd Bill Would Restrict Small Banks’ Ability To Finance Small Businesses. “I have heard from Nebraska business owners and leaders that the underlying bill will extend too far and adversely impact Main Street businesses that use third party financing to help customers pay for their products or services,” Nelson’s statement explained.” (Jessica Brady, “Nelson Rejects ‘Wild Speculation’ On Reasons For His Votes,” Roll Call, 4/28/10)

DROPPING OFF A PAYMENT AT YOUR LOCAL UTILITY? Obama Admits “Electricity Rates Would Necessarily Skyrocket” Under His Cap-And-Trade National Energy Tax. Obama: “When I was asked earlier about the issue of coal, you know, under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket. Even regardless of what I say about whether coal is good or bad. Because I’m capping greenhouse gases, coal power plants, you know, natural gas, you name it, whatever the plants were, whatever the industry was, uh, they would have to retrofit their operations. That will cost money. They will pass that money on to consumers.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Interview with San Francisco Chronicle Editorial Board, 1/17/08)

WANT TO SEE A DOCTOR? Doctors Warn Primary Care Physician Shortage Will Worsen Under ObamaCare, Leading To Longer Lines. “The Connecticut State Medical Society is warning of a major shortage of primary care physicians in the state that, if not addressed soon, will lead to longer waiting periods for patients or a lack of access to doctors for the newly insured. According to a survey by the medical society, which polled 498 doctors, 28 percent of internists and 26 percent of family physicians said they already are not accepting new patients. Additionally, new patients have to wait an average of 18 days for a routine office visit, while existing patients have to wait 16 days to see a pediatrician or 15 days for an internist.” (Greg Bordonaro, “Doctors Shortage Will Spell Delays,” Hartford Business Journal, 5/3/10)

NEED TO GET YOUR TEETH CLEANED? Dentists Worry That They “May Become Unintended Targets” Of The Obama-Dodd Bill. “Dentists are warning they may become unintended targets of legislation designed to overhaul Wall Street. … Dentists could fall under the Senate financial bill because they often allow patients to pay in installments, Graham said. According to a 2009 ADA survey, roughly half of dentists offer this type of billing for three or four months.” (Silla Brush, “Dentists Fear Pain From Finance Reform Bill,” The Hill, 5/3/10)

WANT TO GET A QUICK TANNING SESSION IN? Reno, NV Tanning Salon Owner Says He’s “Struggling” And Will “Have To Pass” ObamaCare’s Tanning Tax To His Customers. “‘If they’re in the same boat as me they’re going to have to pass it along to the consumer,’ said Bruce Rogers, owner of Tiki’s Tanning Salon in Reno. Rogers said although this is a busy time of year for tanning salons, his business has dropped because discretionary spending is down. ‘We’re struggling just like everybody else,’ he said.” (Tammy Krikorian, “Reno-Area Owners Say Tanning Bed Tax Will Be Burden,” Reno Gazette Journal, 5/2/10)

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How Obama’s Policies Hurt Main Street America