The campaigns are over and we have a new President. How could this effect our efforts to push the FAIRtax ahead? President Trump has promised no tax on tips, Social Security and overtime. There have also been leaks from his campaign that he is also looking into a national sales tax, the elimination of the income tax and the repeal of the 16th Amendment. This is all good news.
President Trump has floated the idea of using tariffs to replace the income tax but the FAIRtax is much more economically efficient than tariffs. While tariffs do bring money into the federal treasury, they are more suited to enforcing fair trade between countries than for raising revenue. The FAIRtax however, was specifically designed to replace the income tax in funding the government.
Unfortunately the DC elites and many members of Congress in both parties will work feverishly to retain the present income/payroll tax system. These people have used the income tax system for decades to raise large amounts of money for their re-election campaigns and to exert control over our lives by giving tax breaks to those who will do their bidding and tax penalties to those who don’t. They also love having the power of the IRS at their disposal to punish those who dare to oppose their agenda with higher taxes and IRS audits. They won’t give up easily. Continue reading
When we talk about the local economy and what drives it, there are a few industries which immediately come to mind. We are the Horse Capital of the World® and know that equine plays a big part of the local economy. Others may think about how our community has become a major logistics center for the state and all of the new big box distribution centers which have been built near the interstate. Some may go to Ocala’s long-time role as a major manufacturing center, home to companies like Lockheed Martin, REV Fire – EONE, Pella, Cardinal Glass, etc. However, the sector that employs the most people and some of the highest wages is healthcare.
Regional Healthcare Center
It might be easy for one to overlook the size and scale of the local healthcare industry. While one may look at Gainesville and see the significance of the industry there because of the near omnipresence of the University and UF Health, our market is different. Here we have three different yet significant healthcare providers who all have made and are making substantial investments. When combined these three providers are the backbone of arguably our largest economic driver. Continue reading
OCALA, Fla. Symphony Under the Lights presented by Jenkins Auto Group with support from the City of Ocala and Florida Express Waste & Recycling returns to Tuscawilla Park next month on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Entering its 21st year, this annual free concert will see the Ocala Symphony and members of the Ocala Youth Symphony come together to perform Christmas classics and celebrate the season!
“The musicians and I look forward to this annual tradition – now in its 21st year. Between our performance with the Ocala Youth Symphony, the fun holiday atmosphere with so many community members in attendance, the beautifully lit atmosphere of Tuscawilla Park, and a surprise or two, we can’t wait to give this gift to Ocala / Marion County!” – Matthew Wardell, Music Director and Conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
Gather your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of music under the stars! Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy this free community concert under the oaks of Tuscawilla Park. Continue reading