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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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10/06/04

Kerry Healthcare Plan’s Staggering Cost: $1.5 Trillion
Candidate’s proposal would raise taxes $969 per taxpayer, provide limited benefit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – John Kerry has promised to “pay for” all of his new spending proposals, including an estimated $1.5 trillion over 10 years for his healthcare plan. Unfortunately, American taxpayers would be the ones footing the bill. Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) today issued a report which estimates that Kerry will need to impose a tax hike of $969 per year on the average taxpayer, or nearly $10,000 over the next decade, to fund this program.

“John Kerry wants to implement a bloated, government-run healthcare program and stick American taxpayers with the bill,” said ATR President Grover Norquist. “Kerry has made empty promises about preserving President Bush’s middle class tax cuts, but the fact it is, he needs to raise taxes to fund this big government boondoggle."

Despite the Kerry healthcare plans’ massive price tag, most of the benefit would be wasted. Nearly 60 percent of the plans cost would be used to pay for people who already have health insurance. The average person will receive a benefit of $451 dollars, which is more than offset by the increased tax burden.

In addition to healthcare, Kerry has plans for other expensive spending programs. ATR estimates that funding Kerry’s full campaign platform will cost taxpayers an average of $1,771 per year. Paying for Kerry’s laundry list of new expenditures would completely wipe out all of the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003.

“John Kerry is out of his mind if he thinks he can pay for all of his liberal, big-government proposals and not stick Americans with an across the board tax hike,” continued Norquist. “John Kerry wants to wipe out all of President Bush’s crucial relief and raise taxes on every individual, family and small business in America.”

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.