Author Archives: Chuck Collins

Bernie’s plutocracy prevention act

Sanders' new 'For the 99.8% Act' is squarely aimed at preventing the children of today's billionaires from dominating our future democracy, economy, culture and philanthropy
By Chuck Collins
Posted on February 6, 2019 by Chuck Collins

The Republicans can’t control their baser greed impulse, as revealed in their latest move to abolish the federal estate tax, our nation’s only levy on the inherited wealth of the super-rich. Continue reading →

The government shutdown expands the ranks of ‘underwater nation’

Unemployment is low, but federal employees are lining up at food banks. They aren’t alone.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on January 17, 2019 by Chuck Collins

As the government shutdown drags on, the image of federal workers lining up at food pantries has dramatized just how many workers live financially close to the edge. Continue reading →

The wealth hiding in your neighborhood

From country farmland to big city skyscrapers, absentee billionaires may be hiding wealth in your town—and driving up your cost of living.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on September 18, 2018 by Chuck Collins

The rich are hiding trillions in wealth. Continue reading →

Help for struggling millionaires is on the way

If you're struggling to get by on $20 million, the GOP is looking out for you and your heirs.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on December 28, 2017 by Chuck Collins

It isn’t easy being a millionaire these days, especially if you’ve got less than $20 million. Fortunately, Congress is watching out for you. Continue reading →

How tax-dodging billionaires use farmers as props

Urban billionaires are trotting out the tractors and overalls in a bizarre effort to roll back their taxes.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on July 31, 2017 by Chuck Collins

After this summer, President Trump and the Republican Congress have one big item on their agenda: taxes. Specifically, cutting them for the rich. Continue reading →

What happened to America’s wealth? The rich hid it.

There's actually trillions that could be used to fix our roads and schools. The wealthy just don't want you to know where it is.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on July 3, 2017 by Chuck Collins

If you find yourself traveling this summer, take a closer look at America’s deteriorating infrastructure—our crumbling roads, sidewalks, public parks, and train and bus stations. Continue reading →

Congress wants to cut your health care—and billionaires’ taxes

But health care costs, not corporate taxes, are the real drain on the U.S. economy.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on May 24, 2017 by Chuck Collins

Members of the House GOP were in a hurry on May 4 to pass their bill to gut Obamacare. They rushed it through before anyone even had a chance to check its cost or calculate its impact on people’s access to insurance. Continue reading →

Eight ways to strengthen our democracy beyond voting

The strength of our civic life depends on what we do outside elections.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on November 8, 2016 by Chuck Collins

Throughout this trying election season, we’ve been told how much is at stake with our vote. But the success of any democracy depends on continuing to pay attention long after we cast our ballots. Continue reading →

Anti-pipeline movement gathers steam

From Standing Rock, North Dakota, to Kentucky, residents are fighting big oil and gas.
By Chuck Collins
Posted on September 16, 2016 by Chuck Collins

Thousands of Native Americans at Standing Rock in North Dakota are protesting a pipeline project that puts their water supply at risk, threatens to plow up their sacred sites, and would worsen climate change. Continue reading →