U. S. federal income tax policies include a large number of provisions widely known as tax breaks or tax loopholes. More specifically they come in the form of deductions, credits, exclusions and preferential rates. They have the effect of significantly reducing the income taxes paid (i.e., the effective tax rate) by individuals and corporations. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates in 2017 all tax breaks combined will amount to $1.6 trillion.

This study group for those 50 and over will focus on the political psychology of these tax breaks: the attitudes and behaviors of individuals, interest groups, political parties and policymakers in the public policymaking process. Discussion of a large number of specific tax breaks will be included. Information on tax breaks will be distributed by the instructor to provide a foundation for the sessions.
Instructor Craig Ramsay is an Emeritus Professor of Politics and Government at Ohio Wesleyan University who taught about the politics of economic policymaking for four decades. This study group will meet for two hours on Wednesday’s from October 25 through November 15.