Across the world and across America, taxing the rich is the new fashion. Especially popular nowadays is the notion of wealth taxes. These are taxes targeting what people own, rather than what they buy or earn.

The idea of “getting the rich” is not new. In the past, however, such efforts have often failed: revenues from the levies disappointed. Regardless of questions of workability, extra taxes on the rich also raise a moral question. Is it wrong to take from Americans what they own or earn? When do tax increases become abusive? Does taxing the rich encourage class war? Does overtaxation hurt our very culture? 

The conference will start with the basic questions: what is the difference between a proportional and a disproportional tax, or a wealth tax and a progressive income tax? Next, we will review the record. What were the results of heavy taxes in the past — the New Deal and the 1970s — and their effects on income distribution, the economy, and the American soul? What was the effect of relieving top earners of high rates, as in the 1920s, and the 1980s? Next we will move on to comparing current evidence, whether among our states or among nations. We will devote the final part of the conference to tax proposals today.

Confirmed speakers include Steve Forbes, John Cochrane, former World Bank President David Malpass, former Senator Phil Gramm, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Vincent Geloso, Veronique de Rugy, and Diana Furchtgott-Roth.

The Coolidge Foundation is pleased to announce that the Honorable Ron DeSantis will deliver the dinner keynote.

Watch this space for updates.

Questions? Please email William Pettinger at wpettinger@coolidgefoundation.org.