The Big Ideas Project

Prohibit retired government workers -- every one including military, state and local -- from collecting tax-paid pension benefits until age 62. A sleazy Colorado U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman collects a state pension check and a Congressional paycheck...double-dipping! A significant amount of tax dollars would be saved to meet future legitimate pension. obligations.

Submitted by Mike S. from CO in Taxes & Budget Jan. 9, 2015, 11:53 a.m.

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#1708

64 votes

A framework for legislation to allow an option to repay student loans I recently wrote a framework for legislation to allow an option to repay student loans through a small additional payroll withholding called The People's Bill. You can find the framework on www.thepeoplesbill.com The legislation is about to be sponsored federally.

Submitted by Mitch Everts in Government & Elections Dec. 31, 2014, 2:25 p.m.

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#1708

64 votes

Every Board of Elections should have rolling classes in Civics that everyone needs to attend so everybody understands our system of government and all questions regarding voting could be answered.

Submitted by West Winds in Government & Elections Dec. 10, 2014, 1:42 p.m.

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#1708

64 votes

If a political party is caught cheating an election, all its candidates should be disqualified. If a candidate is caught cheating an election, that candidate forfeits his votes to the opposing candidate. If it works in sports, why not politics?

Submitted by Richard G. from OR in Government & Elections Dec. 26, 2014, 2:37 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Encourage states to have their primary schools to set aside one hour of recess per day, by indexing it to federal aid. What sets the United States apart is that we are a nation of creatives. To eliminate outdoor playtime is inhibiting our children's ability to think divergently.

Submitted by John Fallot in Education Dec. 15, 2014, 2:24 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Military pensions should be non-taxable income.

Submitted by Robert King in Taxes & Budget Dec. 26, 2014, 1:06 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Institute a significant (5% - 9%) financial transaction tax, including on the buying, selling, and merging of companies. If a single mother has to pay a similar rate (sales tax) to clothe her children, the investor class should be taxed, too.

Submitted by pro_pax in Taxes & Budget Dec. 19, 2014, 10:22 a.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Support the nations in Africa that share our values and DON'T support the nations that don't share our values. Countries that strive to help their citizens and respect their rights should get great financial help. But countries like Swaziland or Zimbabwe that refuse to allow freedoms for their citizens should not receive the financial gifts they receive today.

Submitted by MattA in Foreign Policy & Military Dec. 10, 2014, 10:01 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Create an algorithm for a truly graduated income tax. End the "tax brackets". The higher the income the higher the % of income taxed. This formula would apply universally. At the lowest end, make it a credit.

Submitted by Walworth in Taxes & Budget Jan. 8, 2015, 9:18 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

We need an option of non petroleum floor coverings and roofing. Give incentives for metal recyclable roofing.

Submitted by mpdoc77 in Environment Dec. 12, 2014, 4:33 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Change the definition of "long term capital gains" to a holding of three years, with a sliding scale from ordinary income to 12.5% over four years.

Submitted by Peter V. from ME in Taxes & Budget Nov. 17, 2014, 6:49 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Since major corporations like Caterpillar and GE are complaining about the need to update the nation's infrastructure have them pay for it. These are the same corporations keeping tax dollars outside the United States. Don't let them lobby to have Main Street tax payers pay for their businesses to benefit from updating the infrastructure in the nation.

Submitted by Jean H. from WI in Taxes & Budget Dec. 12, 2014, 1:53 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

We need to think big and rational! We must reverse the current law decision logic on chemicals - ALL CHEMICALS. Principle - A chemical is toxic unless proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Principle - The health of the environment is the first priority not any given backyard. This might mean the we can not import maaterials or finished products where damage has been done elsewhere - i.e. NIMBY. NIMBY is not a policy or a rational way to make decisions that are bigger than any single NIMBY POV.

Submitted by Terry Fundak in Environment Dec. 18, 2014, 10:32 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Require any company with more than 50 employees (number could be studied) to recognize a union of any size that workers join or form. Union reps should be voting members on the board of directors or equivalent. In this way free market forces can determine compensation not just the bosses dictate to one worker at a time. Bob K

Submitted by Dirt Forester in Economy & Jobs Dec. 10, 2014, 11:23 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Establish a "Free Box" in every town and city neighborhood across America. It benefits everyone! People can "donate" their unwanted but functional & good condition consumer goods, clothing, etc. to The Free Box. Others in need will be happy to use the donated items, especially clothing, shoes, blankets, etc. One person gets to recycle unwanted stuff instead of having to throw it away, and another person gets something they need. It's a Win-Win. Easy to set up & run but needs full time caretaker.

Submitted by Sabine Jordan from CA in Society & Community Dec. 29, 2014, 2:57 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

the mission statement of the army corp of engineers says 'With environmental sustainability as a guiding principle, our disciplined Corps team is working diligently to strengthen our Nation’s security by building and maintaining America’s infrastructure and providing military facilities where our service members train, work and live' ......have them maintain the infrastructure.

Submitted by diane b. from NC in Infrastructure & Technology Dec. 22, 2014, 6:48 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Re.energize the move for a Congressional Bill supporting Reparations to African American descendants of slavery

Submitted by Esta in Civil Rights Dec. 17, 2014, 3:05 p.m.

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#1724

63 votes

Teach children how to write a check, pay a bill, care for a home, care for children of all ages, care for the upkeep home, budget, purchase a home, purchase a car, care for a car.

Submitted by Kris-Progressive in Society & Community Dec. 17, 2014, 4:49 p.m.

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#1738

62 votes

Run every bill through the framework of does this help children, hurt children, or not affect them.

Submitted by Terencia B. from CO in Government & Elections Dec. 9, 2014, 8:47 p.m.

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#1738

62 votes

Make all elected and those running for office of there choice to sign oath to truth and facts . if charged or tried will mean immediate termination with end of salary and all benefits including barred from working , aiding , consulting of any political activities

Submitted by Scott H. from MI in Government & Elections Jan. 12, 2015, 5:09 p.m.

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#1738

62 votes

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