The belief that any worker, with enough effort, can join the middle class is at the heart of the American Dream. But when government attempts to help the poor by simply redistributing income, it often undermines incentives to work harder and earn more. The benefit of taking an extra training course, working an extra shift, or assuming additional responsibility is cut in half by the government. Lowering these barriers to the middle class is one of President Bush's top priorities. To provide a greater reward for those who make the sacrifices needed to move ahead, the President's tax cut plan will substantially lower the marginal tax rate for low-income parents.
High taxes force families to work harder each year to fuel a growing government.
Overall, Americans now work over four months of the year to fund government at all levels. This high tax burden strips families of resources needed to help solve their most pressing problems. Government cannot tailor its programs to the needs of each family. That is why President Bush believes that the best way to help all families is to let each family keep more of its income and spend it as it deems appropriate. His plan will lower the tax burden on families by, among other things, reducing tax rates, expanding the child credit, and reducing the marriage penalty.