<\/div><\/aside>\n

The excerpt argues that \u201ctaxing the rich\u201d messaging in Democratic politics has been growing alongside expanded social spending goals. It cites rising and prominent Democrats as viewing wealthy Americans as able too fund enterprising programs.<\/p>\n

It then highlights Bill Maher\u2019s claim that he pays nearly 60% of his earnings in combined taxes (federal plus state and local), while joking that \u201cregular rich people\u201d end up paying a lot despite narratives that the rich avoid taxes. The text adds that California has a high combined tax burden, and it references data claiming that federal income taxes are highly progressive-most paid by the top income earners<\/a>. It also mentions fraud, waste, and abuse in the system and notes the federal government\u2019s large budget deficit despite overall tax intake. <\/p>\n