Cain: Poor Would Get '9-0-9'

He clarifies plan, unveils 'opportunity zones'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 21, 2011 2:16 PM CDT
Herman Cain Says Poor Would Have a 9-0-9 Plan Under His Proposal
Herman Cain speaks while unveiling his 'Opportunity Zone' economic plan in front of the Michigan Central Station, an abandoned train depot, October 21, 2011 in Detroit.   (Getty Images)

Herman Cain clarified and amended his 9-9-9 tax plan today, addressing concerns that it would raise taxes on the poor, who currently pay no income tax. Cain said he wouldn’t change that. “If you are at or below the poverty level, your plan isn’t 9-9-9, it is 9-0-9,” Cain told a crowd in Detroit, according to CNN. “Say amen y’all. 9-0-9.”

Of course, the poor would still face a new 9% national sales tax under Cain’s plan, almost certainly increasing the total amount they would pay. Cain also used the address to add a new wrinkle to the program: “Opportunity Zones.” In certain places with high unemployment, like Detroit, businesses would be able to deduct some amount of payroll expenses from their taxes, in addition to the spending the plan already allows them to deduct. (More Herman Cain stories.)

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