Income Inequality Real and Growing

The "American Dream" of economic mobility is under attack as the United States faces the first generation of Americans who fear they may not do better than their parents.

According to New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, "Among rich countries, America stands out as the place where economic and social status is most likely to be inherited."

Despite the stark statistics, too many politicians are working to protect and expand the largest income gap the United States has seen since the beginning of the Great Depression.

The income statistics are intensified by tax policy—the top marginal income tax rate is the lowest it has been since the Hoover Administration, while the top one percent has taken home the largest share of the national income since 1928.

Meanwhile, anti-worker governors and state legislators across the nation have prioritized cutting taxes on corporations and the super-rich over maintaining public services and state safety nets.

These anti-worker lawmakers are pushing corporation-approved "model" legislation that would help make the rich richer and corporations more powerful, while making it more difficult for working families to get ahead.

With the November election just over the horizon, AFSCME will continue to fight for the working families and the American Dream in which all families have the opportunity to create a brighter future for their children.

(Reprinted from AFSCME Battleground Bulletin. Click here to invite a friend to join the Battleground Bulletin list.)