Economic Issues
Economic Issue #1: Equal Pay
In 2014, the U.S. Senate blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act which would make it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who perform the same work. The goals of the act were to make wages more transparent, require employers to prove that wage discrepancies are tied to legitimate business qualifications and not gender and prohibiting companies from taking retaliatory action against employees who raise concerns about gender-based wage discrimination. Opponents argue that studies which show pay gaps don’t take into account women who take jobs that are more family-friendly in terms of benefits rather than wages and that women are more likely to take breaks in employment to care for children or parents. Proponents point to studies including a 2008 census bureau report that stated that women's median annual earnings were 77.5% of men's earnings. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #2: Welfare & Drug Testing
Wisconsin Governor and 2016 Presidential candidate Scott Walker recently proposed drug testing everyone in Wisconsin who applies for state benefits including unemployment checks and food stamps. The applicants would be tested on a “suspicionless” basis, meaning all applicants would be tested – not just those with criminal backgrounds. Opponents of the proposal include civil libertarians and advocates of the poor who believe the government does not have the right to test people for drugs based on their economic status. Proponents argue that drug use often leads to economic plight and testing applicants for drugs will improve their livelihood by serving as a deterrent for narcotic abuse. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #3: Welfare & Work
In 1996, President Bill Clinton and Ohio Congressman John Kasich co-sponsored a welfare reform law which included work-for-food requirements for welfare recipients. The provision applies to able-bodied adults ages 18 through 49 who have no children or other dependents in their home. It requires them to work, volunteer or attend education or job-training courses at least 80 hours a month to receive food aid. If they don't, their benefits are cut off after three months. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #4: Minimum Wage
The federal minimum wage is the lowest wage at which employers may pay their employees. Since July 24, 2009 the U.S. federal minimum wage has been set at $7.25 per hour. In 2014 President Obama proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and tying it to an inflation index. The federal minimum wage applies to all federal employees including those who work on military bases, national parks and veterans working in nursing homes. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #5: Paid Work Leave
Several major U.S. companies including Netflix, Chipotle, and Microsoft recently began offering their employees paid sick and maternity leave. The U.S. is currently the only industrialized country that doesn’t require companies to provide sick leave to their employees. Thirty-five percent (35%) of American workers do not receive any type of paid sick leave. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #6: National Debt
Proponents of deficit reduction argue that governments who do not control budget deficits and debt are at risk of losing their ability to borrow money at affordable rates. Opponents of deficit reduction argue that government spending would increase demand for goods and services and help avert a dangerous fall into deflation, a downward spiral in wages and prices that can cripple an economy for years. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #7: Corporate Tax Rates
Currently, federal corporate income tax rates vary from 15% to 35%. Due to loopholes and offshore headquarters, many companies pay significantly less with several major corporations paying no taxes at all. Some economists argue that the tax should be abolished in place of higher taxes on certain high earning individuals and stock market transactions. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #8: Labor Unions
Labor unions represent workers in many industries in the United States. Their role is to bargain over wages, benefits, working conditions for their membership. Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #9: Wall Street & Mortgage Crisis
Since the 2008 financial crisis, no Wall Street Executives have paid fines or gone to jail for their roles in selling fraudulent mortgage backed securities to investors. Instead of criminal charges, the six largest U.S. banks have paid over $70 Billion in fines to the U.S. Government. As part of the settlements, none will have to admit to any wrongdoing. Opponents argue that these fines are enough and jailing top Wall Street Executives will de-stabilize our financial system. Proponents argue that the fraud committed by the banks are criminal and the individual executives who orchestrated them should be fined and jailed. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #10: Tax Rates on Profit
Capital gains are the profits earned from the the sale of stocks, bonds, and properties. Investment managers pay a 15 to 20 percent capital gains tax on profits earned from their customers’ holdings. Supporters of the increase argue that capital gains should be taxed like any other income and should be raised to at least 31.5% (the average U.S. tax rate). Opponents of an increase argue that taxing capital gains will discourage investments in the U.S. economy and prohibit growth. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #11: Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve is the central banking system of the U.S. Government. The main goal of the bank is to manage the US government’s money supply and stabilize the nation’s banks during panics and recessions. In 2015, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 which would require the bank’s board of governors to conduct an audit and release it to Congress. An audit would determine if the accounting records the bank makes public are true and give Congress an insight into how the bank is run. Senator Paul has been a fierce critic of the bank’s practices, calling it a "political, oligarchic force, and a key part of what looks and functions like a banking cartel." Proponents of the audit argue that the Federal Reserve bank should be audited after the role it played in the 2008 fiscal crisis when it took on trillions in debt to bail out several of the country’s largest banks. Opponents of the audit argue that the government accountability office already audits the Federal Reserve and a Congressional audit would destroy its independence. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #12: Farmers
An agricultural subsidy is a governmental subsidy paid to farmers and agribusinesses to supplement their income, manage the supply of agricultural commodities, and influence the cost and supply of such commodities. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #13: Pensions
The average retired federal employee receives a pension (retirement plan) of $32,824 annually. Total unfunded pension liability for all U.S. cities and counties is an estimated $574 billion. In addition to their pensions, federal employees are offered a 401(k) plus 5% matching, whereas the average private employee is offered 3 percent matching of 401(k) without pension. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issues #14: Sales Tax
Most local governments in the United States impose a property tax as a principal source of revenue. This tax may be imposed on real estate or personal property. The tax is nearly always computed as the fair market value of the property times an assessment ratio times a tax rate. Values are determined by local officials, and may be disputed by property owners. A primary advantage of a property tax over a sales tax or income tax is that the revenue always equals the tax levy, unlike the other taxes, which can result in shortfalls producing budget deficits. The property tax always produces the required revenue for municipalities' tax levies. Property owners, especially seniors, believe the tax is unfair and does not represent the owner's ability to pay. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #15: Trans-Pacific Partnership
The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade deal that would make it easier for American companies to sell their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries. The deal will benefit American service companies who will be able to open up operations in Asian and South American countries. Opponents argue that this bill will incentivize U.S. companies to move service and manufacturing jobs overseas. Proponents argue that it would make American companies more successful at selling their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries, leading to a stronger economy, more jobs and higher incomes for American workers. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".
Economic Issue #16: Bitcoin
Bitcoin is a type of digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. Bitcoins are stored in a digital wallet, which is like a virtual bank account that allows users to send or receive bitcoins and pay for goods or services. Bitcoin is anonymous, meaning that, while transactions are recorded in a public log, the names of buyers and sellers are never revealed. (Info and poll from www.isidewith.com.)
NOTE: Depending on the device you are using (desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone), the "selection bubbles" for the poll options may not be visible. If this is the case, simply click anywhere on the answer you'd like, and then hit "Vote".