Politics

How much of tax bill's benefits do the richest 1 percent get? The answer might surprise you

Quick: What percent of the benefits from the Republican tax plan go to the richest 1 percent of Americans?

When voters are asked whether they plan to vote for Democrats or Republicans for Congress this November, Democrats lead by eight points in the latest from Public Policy Polling. That’s a good lead, although down from 11 points in December. But the poll also poses a challenge to Democrats:

What percentage of the benefits from the tax plan do you think are going to the richest 1% of Americans: 20% or less, 21 to 40%, 41 to 60%, 61 to 80%, or more than 80%?

20% or less …………………………………………..…28%

21 to 40% ……………………………………………..…17%

41 to 60% ……………………………………………..…12%

61 to 80% …………………………………………….….14%

More than 80% ……………………………………..…17%

The answer, of course, is more than 80 percent, something only 17 percent of voters currently realize. Democrats need to inform the public and drive that number up by November. It’s hard to wrap your head around, of course: 1 percent of the people getting more than 80 percent of the benefit? Even 20 percent of the benefit seems like an awful lot. But it’s true, and Republicans are going all out to keep voters from realizing what the Republican tax plan was all about. The more people know, the better the Democratic chances in November. 

So say it whenever you get the chance:

More than 80 percent of the tax plan’s benefits go to the richest 1 percent of Americans.

More than 80 percent of the tax plan’s benefits go to the richest 1 percent of Americans.

More than 80 percent of the tax plan’s benefits go to the richest 1 percent of Americans.