Research Briefing

Obama Falsely Claims He Hasn’t Raised Taxes, Then Immediately Proposes Another Tax Increase

President Obama: “[I] Didn’t Raise Taxes Once.”  (Fox’s “NFL Pre-Game Show,” 2/6/11)

OBAMA CLAIMS HE HASN’T RAISED TAXES, BUT THE FACTS TELL A DIFFERENT STORY

PolitiFact Rated Obama’s Claim That He Didn’t Raise Taxes Once FALSE. (“President Barack Obama Says He Didn't Raise Taxes Once,” St. Petersburg Times’ “PolitiFact,” www.politifact.com , 2/7/11)

• PolitiFact: “The Idea That Obama Did Not Raise Taxes Is Just Plain Wrong.” (“President Barack Obama Says He Didn't Raise Taxes Once,” St. Petersburg Times’ “PolitiFact,” www.politifact.com , 2/7/11)
• PolitiFact: “Obama Said, ‘I Didn't Raise Taxes Once.’ But We've Documented Numerous Instances When He Has.” (“President Barack Obama Says He Didn't Raise Taxes Once,” St. Petersburg Times’ “PolitiFact,” www.politifact.com , 2/7/11)

The Wall Street Journal On Obama’s Tax Claim: “Allow Us To Refresh His Memory.” (Editorial, “’I Didn’t Raise Taxes Once,’” The Wall Street Journal, 2/8/11)

• WSJ: “Perhaps, Mr. Obama Has Forgotten Some Of His Tax Achievements” Including ObamaCare’s New Taxes On Drug Companies, Device Manufacturers And Health Insurers.  “The Presidency is demanding, and with the Egypt mess and his other duties, perhaps Mr. Obama has forgotten some of his tax achievements. Allow us to refresh his memory. In his historic health-care bill, for example, there is the new $27 billion ‘fee’ on drug companies that is already in effect. Next year, device manufacturers will get hit to the tune of $20 billion, and heath insurers will pay $60 billion starting in 2014—all of which are de facto tax increases because these collections will be passed on to consumers as higher costs. Of course, these are merely tax increases on business.” (Editorial, “’I Didn’t Raise Taxes Once,’” The Wall Street Journal, 2/8/11)
• ObamaCare’s Tax Increases On Individuals “Will Reduce The Incentive To Save And Invest.”   “As for tax increases on individuals, perhaps he forgot the health-care bill's new 0.9 percentage point increase in the Medicare payroll tax for families making over $250,000 and singles over $200,000.  That tax increase takes effect in 2013, as will the application of what will be a 3.8% Medicare surtax (up from 2.9% today) to ‘unearned income’ for the first time. This is a tax hike on investment and interest income, which will reduce the incentive to save and invest.” (Editorial, “’I Didn’t Raise Taxes Once,’” The Wall Street Journal, 2/8/11)

SHORTLY AFTER MAKING CLAIM, OBAMA PROPOSES ANOTHER TAX HIKE

Obama’s Budget Is Expected To Include A $100 Billion Tax Increase On Businesses.  “President Barack Obama's budget proposal is expected to give states a way to collect more payroll taxes from businesses, in an effort to replenish the unemployment-insurance program. … The proposal would aim to restock strained state unemployment-insurance trust funds by raising the amount of wages on which companies must pay unemployment taxes to $15,000, more than double the $7,000 in place since 1983. The plan, which would take effect in 2014, could increase payroll taxes by as much as $100 billion over a decade, according to a person involved in its construction.” (Jonathan Weisman And Damian Paletta, “Obama Budget Proposes Broader Unemployment Taxes,” The Wall Street Journal, 2/8/11)

• “The Plan Could Cause Controversy At A Time When The Administration Is Seeking To Mend Fences With Corporate America.” (Jonathan Weisman And Damian Paletta, “Obama Budget Proposes Broader Unemployment Taxes,” The Wall Street Journal, 2/8/11)

Obama’s Plan To Increase Taxes Was Announced The Day After He Tried To Thaw His Relationship With The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce.  “Lafayette Square in Washington is a park mostly known for its stunning views of the North Lawn of the White House, but today it will become the demilitarized zone between warring factions.  On one side, the White House, and on the other, the business community's most influential Washington power broker, the United States Chamber of Commerce. This morning, President Obama will cross the divide, both literally and figuratively, as he heads across the square to speak in the inner chamber of the Chamber itself.  He's most likely looking for a reset of their testy relations over the past years.”  (Robert Hendin, “Obama Reaching Out To Big Business With Chamber Of Commerce Speech, But The Battle Will Continue,” CBS’s “Political Hotsheet” Blog, 2/7/11)