|
Becker for 2012 Ohio House |
Please see the following brief videos regarding my
candidacy:
Introduction (38
seconds)
Pro-Life (42
seconds)
Taxes (49
seconds)
State Government
Spending (45 seconds)
State Government (37
seconds)
Second Amendment (36
seconds)
Energy (55
seconds)
Creation Science and
Evolution (42 seconds)
Donate (50
seconds)
Introduction
For several years, I've held an elected political office called Republican State Committeeman. I am a member of the governing body of the Ohio Republican Party. I write an e-mail newsletter. Most of my readers would agree that we need more fiscal and social pro-family Christian conservatives in government. Please read my December 2008 newsletter for more details regarding my candidacy for the 2012 Ohio Legislature and let me know if I can add you to my distribution list.
Issues at a glance - Pro-Life | Pro-Gun | Limited Government | Lower Taxes
Life
Guns
Taxes
Government
Business
Education
Marriage
Tax Cuts and Unemployment Benefits
I was recently asked to explain my position on extending the Bush tax cuts and continuing the federal funding of unemployment benefits: Tax policy is not spending. It is on the revenue side of the equation. Any theoretical reductions in revenue, as a result of tax cuts, are based on static analysis. That analysis assumes that changes in consumer, business, and investor behavior will not change. This is a fallacy. Therefore, dynamic analysis must be used. We know from history that tax cuts lead to economic growth. The best example is from the 1980s when Ronald Reagan convinced congress to enact massive tax cuts. Those cuts lead to an epic expansion of the economy. During that decade, revenues to the federal treasury doubled. Regarding federal unemployment benefits, it is clear from the 10th Amendment that the federal government should not even consider such spending. Furthermore, we know from dynamic analysis that when a government taxes something they get less of it. Likewise, when they subsidize something they get more of it. Therefore, logic dictates that subsidizing unemployment encourages and extends the unemployment problem. As an aside, I do not condemn the citizenry for accepting government welfare benefits. In my opinion, the government is at fault for offering benefits that violate the 10th Amendment. These types of policy decisions should be strictly within the domain of the states.
Social Justice
During a recent event, the topic of “social justice” came up: When most people think of social justice issues, it usually has to do with government benefits for the poor. Liberals like to feel good about themselves by being generous with other people’s money. Many feel that it is the "Christian" thing to do. As stated above, any federal benefits would be in violation of the 10th Amendment. Government sponsored redistribution of wealth is akin to sticking a gun to the head of a taxpayer, taking his money, and then handing it over to somebody else. I fail to see the Christianity in that. However, the Marxist philosophy is very clear. In my opinion, responsible social justice is when we as individuals and families voluntarily decide to generously contribute time, talent, and treasure to non-profit organizations such as churches, the United Way or a myriad of other worthwhile community organizations or simply act independently. The hierarchy for people reaching out for help should be as follows: 1) Themselves; 2) Their families; 3) Their churches 4) Community organizations; 5) Local government; and 6) State government. Ideally, the federal government should never be involved. (See the 10th Amendment). And local and state government should only be involved in a limited way (if at all).
Estate Taxes
Liberals have always appreciated estate taxes as a way to redistribute wealth. When pressed with the argument that it is a tax on wealth that has already been taxed, they retort that it is the heirs who are being taxed and not the dead person who has already been taxed. If that is true, then why does our society consider stealing from the dead the worst type of theft? Aren’t they just stealing from the dead person’s heirs?
FAQ
What's your occupational or professional background?
About eight years in manufacturing, three years in managed healthcare, one year
of consulting and adult education, and 11 years in banking and finance.
What is your Education?
I earned my MBA with an emphasis
in Taxation at Xavier University and a Bachelor's degree in Business
Management from Northern Kentucky University.
Any other credentials?
I am a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP)
and a Licensed
School District Treasurer.
What is your philosophy on government?
State government can't be all things to all people. The state must create the
economic environment for people and business to achieve success. We need to
provide for basic services such as public safety, infrastructure, and education.
We need to encourage and enable charitable organizations to do more so that
government can do less. This proposal is meant to increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of social programs that many rely on.
What about taxes?
All taxes are destructive and some are a necessary evil. In my judgment, the
income tax has the greatest repressive impact on Ohio's economy. The tax code
can be restructured to encourage virtue rather than punishing success. Let's
start by abolishing the Ohio marriage penalty. Allow income tax credits for
charitable organizations that operate in Ohio. For example, on the federal
level, (501c3) donations are tax deductible (Schedule A). I want those same
donations that are specific to Ohio to be allowed as a tax credit against state
income taxes. And why not give unwed mothers an incentive to place unwanted
infants up for adoption? That would discourage abortion, reduce the number of
single parent homes, and be a blessing to many parents seeking to adopt. That
would be a win-win for everybody involved.
What about health care?
Government should concentrate on lowering costs. Here’s an idea: Have one
central location in every city for indigents to get whatever care they need. All
of the personnel would have immunity from malpractice litigation. The staff
would be mostly volunteers, interns, and students. Regardless of location, any
provider performing indigent care (charity) would get immunity from malpractice
litigation. This would be a win-win. Everybody would continue to get the care
that they need. And hospital emergency rooms would no longer provide
non-emergency treatment to non-paying customers.
What about tax fairness?
People should pay for what they use. In theory, gasoline taxes are paid by
motorists and used for highway construction and maintenance. Is it fair that
boaters should pay highway taxes? Many states allow tax refunds for gasoline and
diesel fuel used in watercraft. I'd like to add Ohio to that list.
What would you do about education funding?
As a licensed school district treasurer, I have specialized knowledge of many of
the problems and concerns faced by the public schools. Local schools spend far
too much time, money, and resources fighting for the renewal of expiring tax
levies and promoting new levies just to cover their inflation expenses. This is
ridiculous and needs to be changed. More of their funding should come from the
state and less from local sources. As a home school dad (My wife does all the
work.), I also understand the concerns of
those who do not utilize the public schools. The state should pay 100
percent of the cost of state mandates. The local communities can choose to fund
any additional programs or activities.
What about charter schools?
Competition is good. Both charter and district schools should be held to high
standards.
What's in it for the parents of private school children?
Allow (with no additional strings attached) tuition and curriculum expense tax
credits for parents with children in non-public schools to offset, some or all,
of those expenses. This would apply to private, parochial, and home school
parents.
How does it make sense to allow new tax credits?
The credits would be phased in. As the income tax becomes less burdensome, Ohio
will become a more attractive state for more businesses and workers. New
economic activity will create jobs, increase property values, and create new
revenues without increasing other tax rates.
What about school levies?
If the state pays 100 percent of mandates, state spending will increase or
school expenses will decrease. I prefer dropping mandates. Therefore, the
school's need for levies will be reduced.
What's in it for the elderly?
Fewer and smaller school levies will reduce their property tax burden. Also, it
is likely that their charitable donation credits and healthcare expense credits
will reduce or eliminate their income tax burden.
Are you pro-business?
Yes and Cincinnati philanthropist and financier, Carl
Lindner, has endorsed me in the past. I am very strongly pro-business and
want Ohio to be more welcoming to business. Repressive regulations and bloated
bureaucracies that encourage businesses to leave Ohio or not come here at all
must be changed. This helps workers by creating jobs. It's a win-win.
Furthermore, my wife (retired teacher) and I are both former union members.
Labor cannot succeed unless an environment is created for business to thrive.
What about energy?
There has been much talk about conservation and alternative sources of energy.
This is good but not nearly enough. Ohio has oil and natural gas reserves. The
state must encourage the production of our natural resources. Increasing
production creates jobs and reduces energy costs as supplies increase.
Additionally, this increase in economic activity and royalties will increase
revenues for the state. New revenues allow for a reduction of the tax burden for
residents and businesses. This is a win-win for government, business, labor,
consumers, and taxpayers.
What spending cuts would you make?
As I said earlier, government can't be all things to all people. Anything that
is not related to the primary purpose of state government will be closely
examined. Ohio is bloated with hundreds of cabinet agencies, regulatory boards,
and commissions. There is a lot of opportunity for streamlining and
consolidating.
How can I help?
I'm not asking for endorsements or commitments from any individuals at this
time. But I am asking for the following:
Fundraising
Unfortunately, raising money is a critically important component of any political campaign. Fortunately, a tax credit is available for contributions of up to $50 for an individual and $100 on a married/joint tax return. For 2011 the credit is on line 55 on the Ohio IT 1040 and explained on page 31 of the Ohio IT 1040 booklet. This is a dollar-for-dollar full credit. Therefore, the donation costs the donor nothing. If you would like this tax credit and wish to help me, I need your check dated by December 31st. Please make it payable to: Friends of Becker, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313. I can also accept credit card and/or PayPal contributions by clicking the above "Donate" button. Please do so before the end of the year for the 2011 credit. For more details, I've created a tax credit page.
As you know, I am running for the Ohio House in 2012. It is the 65th House District and encompasses the northwestern corner of Clermont County. Joe Uecker is currently my State Representative. Due to term limits, he will not be running for re-election. (However, he is running for State Senate.)
Many of you have contributed to my campaign and I thank you for that. The rest of this letter is for those who have not.
This is your opportunity to take advantage of the line 55 Ohio IT 1040 Political Contributions Tax Credit. That credit has helped me to raise nearly all of my donations so far. Few people take advantage of this credit. Most people don’t understand it. Or they don’t understand how a contribution could be FREE to them.
All Ohio taxpayers file a federal 1040 and a state 1040. Most people have a tax professional do the work for them and may not fully understand the differences between the federal deductions & credits and the state deductions & credits. They are all different.
Political contributions have no value on the federal 1040. They are not deductible from gross income and there is no credit available.
However, on the Ohio 1040, a line 55 credit is available for contributions to “state” candidates. State candidates include all statewide offices with the exception of US Senate. The General Assembly (both State House and State Senate) and state school board are also included.
A credit is not a deduction from taxable income like a charitable donation. A credit is a reduction of the tax itself and therefore far superior. It's off the bottom line. In basic terms, the math works as follows:
Gross Income (Salary, Interest, Dividends, etc.)
Less Deductions and Exemptions
= Taxable Income
A tax is then derived from the tax table.
Less Credits
= Tax Liability
Less Tax Payments (Withholdings)
= Refund or Amount Due
Please do me a favor and take advantage of the Ohio Political Contributions tax credit. It is dollar-for-dollar and worth $50 per taxpayer. It is worth $100 on a married/joint tax return. The above calculations demonstrate why you can donate to my campaign for FREE. I will mail you a receipt for your tax records.
Another way to think of it is that you will decide how to allocate your tax dollars. You can send me $50 ($100 for married/joint filers) and reduce what the state government collects from you by $50 per taxpayer. Or do nothing and let the state government keep your money.
If you prefer to use a credit card, you must do so by 12/31/2011 for you to take advantage of the 2011 credit. Please use this secured link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=1993674
If you prefer to send me a check or money order, it must be dated by 12/31/2011 for you to take advantage of the 2011 credit. The postmark is not important. Please send to:
Friends of Becker
925 Locust Ln.
Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313
Thank you very much for your consideration. All the best!
___________________________________________
John Becker
Republican State Committeeman
and 2012 Candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives
513-753-6440
http://www.facebook.com/BeckerGOP
http://www.linkedin.com/in/JohnBeckerCTPMBA
http://www.youtube.com/BeckerGOP
This page was last updated on 12/19/2011
Paid for by Friends of Becker | John Becker, CTP, MBA, | Treasurer | 925 Locust Lane | Cincinnati | Ohio | 45245-1313
My home page is www.BeckerGOP.com.