Do you agree with this statement

[Anonymous]

In our current affairs/debate class Thursday, our professor said that a family who earns 60K a year has the same disposable income  "left over money" as someone who earns 20K a year.

he says that when you add the tax returns, the public assistance that lower income families receive it makes the disposable income at the end of the year close to being the same as a earner of 60K. He says that its because the 60K earner has health insurance premiums, dental premiums, and gets little to no tax returns, SO at the end of the year their 'left over money' is equivalent to that of a lower income person's left over money. He argued that tax returns are boosts to income for lower class..so if your tax return was 5000 that actually makes your income 5000 dollars more.

he says at the end of the year it all even outs for the lower to middle middle class and the lower class.

A lot of people did not agree with him. I didn't. Because i earn 22K and i honestly feel i don't have the same amount of play money as my sister who earns 54K.

i know he was talking about at the end of the year and not throughout the year, but still. I just don't see how. Yes we get food stamps and medicaid but i still have to pay my rent and utilities and make my car payment.

Agree? disagree?

[southern.momof2]

Maybe not the same, but It's close.

[cuppycake1919]

Interesting

[Anonymous]

I disagree with the professor. He sounds a know it all who doesn't have a clue.

[ILoveMyFam]

This. You said it in your reply, yes you pay rent and utilities, but the $ staying in your pocket since you receive food stamps and such, is being spent by the person who doesn't receive that help.

Quoting southern.momof2:

Maybe not the same, but It's close.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

 

Quoting Anonymous:

I disagree with the professor. He sounds a know it all who doesn't have a clue.

 He's actually a really good professor. He seriously makes you think about some of the topics we discuss.

[Anonymous]

I totally agree. Health insurance premiums are extremely high along with copays, meds, etc. add up what you would be paying for those. Then add the amount you get back in taxes and in foodstamps to your income. I would bet it is almost equal.

[Anonymous]

I make 29 a year. I have my health insurance through my work. I only get 100 in FS a month and do not qualify for cash assistance. I have 4 kids all with varying health issues that I have to pay out of pocket for. My bills are (not counting fuel for my van, food or clothing or child care) 1,400 a month. I bring home 1,600 a month. I am suppose to get 350 a month in CS. Add in the not counted for things and I do not have any extra money. I save where I can and do things very frugal, but that is to survive. If I made 60 a year I would be very comfortable.

[Mommy383]

Yeah he may have a point. Add $6000 in food stamps, free medical care with no copays, premiums, etc. Then turn around and get $6000 in tax return. All that adds up, you have between $15,000-20,000 in benefits, cash. Now that person making $54,000 has insurance premiums, will not get a big tax return and boom they are almost even.

[Mommy383]

Quoting Anonymous:

I disagree with the professor. He sounds a know it all who doesn't have a clue.

Why do you think he doesn't have a clue?

[Anonymous]

I agree completely with him. Which is why people say "why work?" Might as well live off PA.