[NSGS] Democratic Left [Official HQ]

[Beta Test]

It has occurred to me that I have not yet posted in this thread.

[Mollary]

It has occurred to me that I have not yet posted in this thread.

Hello you bourgeois oppressor ;p.

[Otrenia]

I agree with this.

As do I.

[Planita]

I would like to withdraw from the party please

[Mollary]

I would like to withdraw from the party please

NO, YOU'RE TRAPPED HERE NOW!

Not really, good luck in future.

[Malgrave]

It has occurred to me that I have not yet posted in this thread.

I occasionally think that flag is pasta and not bacon.

[Planita]

I would like to withdraw from the party please

NO, YOU'RE TRAPPED HERE NOW!

Not really, good luck in future.

Thank you!

[San Jose Guayabal]

The internet for all citizens program would be a long-term aspiration, not something we put immediately down -- I'd rather we sort out our immediate problems and then delve into national development. I think we could find the means to gather money, even if it means borrowing from foreign nations, or the World Bank. The economic return in the long-run would be amazing; but we have more pressing issues such as human rights, sufficient food supply, international relations with aggressive neighbors (if there are any)

I never said it would be a first priority, infact. I simply suggested it be a goal of the party -- to provide internet connectivity and networking to all citizens so that we can facilitate economic trade, and prosperity for a new generation; no matter how long it takes, it should be an aspiration.

I must state that while I support the idea of creating a free networking infrastructure for citizens to access to help further their economic power; I will state that I do not support such a program being made half-assed, or without a concrete, concise plan for the future. To throw money into this without heeding greater issues is asinine at best.

TL;DR: Let's build up the country's stability and food supply, and then we can talk about this plan, which I want to happen after consideration and long-term R&D.

Pretty much this are my thoughts.

[Malgrave]

So has anyone thought of any additions or adaptations to make to the platform? I recognise that it was a simple draft when I created it so i'm open to it getting a bit of work to make it more relevant.

[Mollary]

So has anyone thought of any additions or adaptations to make to the platform? I recognise that it was a simple draft when I created it so i'm open to it getting a bit of work to make it more relevant.

Have we decided a location yet?

[San Jose Guayabal]

So has anyone thought of any additions or adaptations to make to the platform? I recognise that it was a simple draft when I created it so i'm open to it getting a bit of work to make it more relevant.

Have we decided a location yet?

No, but the popular thoughts are way in favour to a latin american destination.

[Zunkwentania]

Have we decided a location yet?

No, but the popular thoughts are way in favour to a latin american destination.

I'd like somewhere with monazite so I can set my thorium plan into action

[Vista Major]

I wish to join the Democratic Left Party.

[Atlanticatia]

I wish to join the Democratic Left Party.

Welcome

[Vista Major]

I wish to join the Democratic Left Party.

Welcome

Thank you

[NSG Senate Administrators]

You need to officially apply as a party on the applications thread here.

- Malgrave.

[Malgrave]

I see I've entered to some spirited debate

Are you joining the DemLeft? I noticed your application.

[Vista Major]

You need to officially apply as a party on the applications thread here.

- Malgrave.

I believe I did

[Atlanticatia]

So, I updated some welfare policy proposals, taking into consideration that we will probably have a middle-income economy, considering we're in Latin America.

*I assumed that GDP per capita will be about $17,000.
*I assumed that the median income will be about $13,000 per year.
*All in USD

View them below!

Social Contribution: 18% of gross income (9% by employee + 9% by employer)
*Employee contribution reduce taxable income: example - income is $10,000. $900 of social contributions are paid. There is $9,100 of income liable for income tax.

Tax rates:
$0-$5,000: 0%
$5,000-$12,000: 25%
$12,000-$25,000: 40%
$25,000-$50,000: 45%
$50,000+: 52%

Capital Gains
Capital gains will be taxed as normal income. However, they won't be liable for social contributions.
If the capital gains fall into the top rate (52%) of tax, the tax bill will be liable for a 10% surcharge.

Universal Child Benefit: $70 per month

Additional Child Benefit: $150 per month for families earning (gross) less than $600 per month. Each dollar earned above $700 reduces the payment by 20 cents.

Minimum Wage: $650 per month ($3.75 per hour)

Net Wealth Tax:
$0-$250,000: 0%
$250,000-$1,000,000: 1%
$1,000,000-$10,000,000: 1.5%
$10,000,000+: 2%

Minimum Income Benefits (based upon means test, for people ineligible for social insurance-based unemployment benefit):
- Single, no children: $400 per month
- Sole Parent: $520 per month
- Couple, no children: $300 per month each
- Disability: $450 per month
Beneficiaries can earn up to $150 per month. Each dollar above this reduces the benefit by 60 cents.
Able beneficiaries without children must look for work, while those with dependent children are exempt from work requirements.


Housing
The state will own about 20% of the housing stock, provided at a subsidized rent. Every municipality must have a portion of its housing stock as public housing. A further portion of the housing stock (about 5%) could be owned by the 'community' nonprofit sector, which would receive subsidies from the state.

Health Care
Health care will be free at the point of use, funded by taxes, under a 'single payer' system. All residents will receive a Medical Card which will entitle them to benefits.

Education
Education will be free and public, from early childhood (age 4 and 5), through tertiary education(university etc).

Daycare
Daycare will be subsidized and public, for children aged 0-5. Generally, kids in daycare will be aged 1, 2, or 3. (Due to parental leave and ECE.)
Fee amounts: $2 per day, per child.

Student Benefit
Tertiary Allowance: Any person engaged in full-time tertiary study will be entitled to the allowance. It will be worth $400 per month.

Unemployment Benefit
People who become unemployed under no fault of their own will be entitled to an unemployment benefit.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 3 years, after which people must claim minimum income. Claimants must look for work.

Maternity Leave
Women who are employed for at least 10 hours per week can take paid maternity leave.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 12 weeks.

Parental Leave
This leave can be shared between both parents to bond with a new baby.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 40 weeks.

Sickness Benefits
People who are going to be ill for more than 1 week will be entitled to job-protected sick leave, paid by social insurance.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 26 weeks.

Christmas Bonus
Anyone claiming an income support benefit will receive the christmas bonus, of $25.

Pension
People earn “pension points” by paying social insurance. Each year earns you 2.5 points - you must have 100 points to be entitled. People who are on any form of income support benefit will still earn pension points, as their pension contributions will be paid by the State. People who don’t have enough pension points can pay ‘top-up’ contributions.

The pension age is 65. People who are disabled an unable to work may receive their full pension early, regardless of pension points.
Pensions are taxable income, but they're exempt from social contributions.

Pensions are calculated as 70% of your average top-10 years of earnings, inflation adjusted. This amount is called your ‘pensionable amount’. This amount is capped at $15,000 per year.

The maximum pension is $875 per month, and the minimum pension is $400 per month.

You’ll only get your full pension if you have 100 pension points. For example, someone with 50 pension points will only get 50% of their pension amount.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

[Zunkwentania]

So, I updated some welfare policy proposals, taking into consideration that we will probably have a middle-income economy, considering we're in Latin America.

*I assumed that GDP per capita will be about $17,000.
*I assumed that the median income will be about $13,000 per year.
*All in USD

View them below!

Social Contribution: 18% of gross income (9% by employee + 9% by employer)
*Employee contribution reduce taxable income: example - income is $10,000. $900 of social contributions are paid. There is $9,100 of income liable for income tax.

Tax rates:
$0-$5,000: 0%
$5,000-$12,000: 25%
$12,000-$25,000: 40%
$25,000-$50,000: 45%
$50,000+: 52%

Capital Gains
Capital gains will be taxed as normal income. However, they won't be liable for social contributions.
If the capital gains fall into the top rate (52%) of tax, the tax bill will be liable for a 10% surcharge.

Universal Child Benefit: $70 per month

Additional Child Benefit: $150 per month for families earning (gross) less than $600 per month. Each dollar earned above $700 reduces the payment by 20 cents.

Minimum Wage: $650 per month ($3.75 per hour)

Net Wealth Tax:
$0-$250,000: 0%
$250,000-$1,000,000: 1%
$1,000,000-$10,000,000: 1.5%
$10,000,000+: 2%

Minimum Income Benefits (based upon means test, for people ineligible for social insurance-based unemployment benefit):
- Single, no children: $400 per month
- Sole Parent: $520 per month
- Couple, no children: $300 per month each
- Disability: $450 per month
Beneficiaries can earn up to $150 per month. Each dollar above this reduces the benefit by 60 cents.
Able beneficiaries without children must look for work, while those with dependent children are exempt from work requirements.


Housing
The state will own about 20% of the housing stock, provided at a subsidized rent. Every municipality must have a portion of its housing stock as public housing. A further portion of the housing stock (about 5%) could be owned by the 'community' nonprofit sector, which would receive subsidies from the state.

Health Care
Health care will be free at the point of use, funded by taxes, under a 'single payer' system. All residents will receive a Medical Card which will entitle them to benefits.

Education
Education will be free and public, from early childhood (age 4 and 5), through tertiary education(university etc).

Daycare
Daycare will be subsidized and public, for children aged 0-5. Generally, kids in daycare will be aged 1, 2, or 3. (Due to parental leave and ECE.)
Fee amounts: $2 per day, per child.

Student Benefit
Tertiary Allowance: Any person engaged in full-time tertiary study will be entitled to the allowance. It will be worth $400 per month.

Unemployment Benefit
People who become unemployed under no fault of their own will be entitled to an unemployment benefit.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 3 years, after which people must claim minimum income. Claimants must look for work.

Maternity Leave
Women who are employed for at least 10 hours per week can take paid maternity leave.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 12 weeks.

Parental Leave
This leave can be shared between both parents to bond with a new baby.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 40 weeks.

Sickness Benefits
People who are going to be ill for more than 1 week will be entitled to job-protected sick leave, paid by social insurance.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 26 weeks.

Christmas Bonus
Anyone claiming an income support benefit will receive the christmas bonus, of $25.

Pension
People earn “pension points” by paying social insurance. Each year earns you 2.5 points - you must have 100 points to be entitled. People who are on any form of income support benefit will still earn pension points, as their pension contributions will be paid by the State. People who don’t have enough pension points can pay ‘top-up’ contributions.

The pension age is 65. People who are disabled an unable to work may receive their full pension early, regardless of pension points.
Pensions are taxable income, but they're exempt from social contributions.

Pensions are calculated as 70% of your average top-10 years of earnings, inflation adjusted. This amount is called your ‘pensionable amount’. This amount is capped at $15,000 per year.

The maximum pension is $875 per month, and the minimum pension is $400 per month.

You’ll only get your full pension if you have 100 pension points. For example, someone with 50 pension points will only get 50% of their pension amount.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

They;re much better, but we also need a lower fuel tax. With a fuel tax of $2.50 per gallon, we'd be ruining our economy, unless we were in a more developed country.

[Mollary]

I'd back government loans to those wanting to under-take further training.

[Atlanticatia]

I'd back government loans to those wanting to under-take further training.

Wouldn't it be free, because we wouldn't be charging fees for education?

[Oneracon]

I see I've entered to some spirited debate

Are you joining the DemLeft? I noticed your application.

That's my idea for the moment

Since I haven't been able to lurk around as much due to exams... is there anything I should be brought up to speed on?

[Bandwagon]

So, I updated some welfare policy proposals, taking into consideration that we will probably have a middle-income economy, considering we're in Latin America.

*I assumed that GDP per capita will be about $17,000.
*I assumed that the median income will be about $13,000 per year.
*All in USD

View them below!

Social Contribution: 18% of gross income (9% by employee + 9% by employer)
*Employee contribution reduce taxable income: example - income is $10,000. $900 of social contributions are paid. There is $9,100 of income liable for income tax.

Tax rates:
$0-$5,000: 0%
$5,000-$12,000: 25%
$12,000-$25,000: 40%
$25,000-$50,000: 45%
$50,000+: 52%

Capital Gains
Capital gains will be taxed as normal income. However, they won't be liable for social contributions.
If the capital gains fall into the top rate (52%) of tax, the tax bill will be liable for a 10% surcharge.

Universal Child Benefit: $70 per month

Additional Child Benefit: $150 per month for families earning (gross) less than $600 per month. Each dollar earned above $700 reduces the payment by 20 cents.

Minimum Wage: $650 per month ($3.75 per hour)

Net Wealth Tax:
$0-$250,000: 0%
$250,000-$1,000,000: 1%
$1,000,000-$10,000,000: 1.5%
$10,000,000+: 2%

Minimum Income Benefits (based upon means test, for people ineligible for social insurance-based unemployment benefit):
- Single, no children: $400 per month
- Sole Parent: $520 per month
- Couple, no children: $300 per month each
- Disability: $450 per month
Beneficiaries can earn up to $150 per month. Each dollar above this reduces the benefit by 60 cents.
Able beneficiaries without children must look for work, while those with dependent children are exempt from work requirements.


Housing
The state will own about 20% of the housing stock, provided at a subsidized rent. Every municipality must have a portion of its housing stock as public housing. A further portion of the housing stock (about 5%) could be owned by the 'community' nonprofit sector, which would receive subsidies from the state.

Health Care
Health care will be free at the point of use, funded by taxes, under a 'single payer' system. All residents will receive a Medical Card which will entitle them to benefits.

Education
Education will be free and public, from early childhood (age 4 and 5), through tertiary education(university etc).

Daycare
Daycare will be subsidized and public, for children aged 0-5. Generally, kids in daycare will be aged 1, 2, or 3. (Due to parental leave and ECE.)
Fee amounts: $2 per day, per child.

Student Benefit
Tertiary Allowance: Any person engaged in full-time tertiary study will be entitled to the allowance. It will be worth $400 per month.

Unemployment Benefit
People who become unemployed under no fault of their own will be entitled to an unemployment benefit.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 3 years, after which people must claim minimum income. Claimants must look for work.

Maternity Leave
Women who are employed for at least 10 hours per week can take paid maternity leave.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 12 weeks.

Parental Leave
This leave can be shared between both parents to bond with a new baby.
Benefits will be worth 90% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,125 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 40 weeks.

Sickness Benefits
People who are going to be ill for more than 1 week will be entitled to job-protected sick leave, paid by social insurance.
Benefits will be worth 80% of their previous earnings. Benefits are taxable.
The maximum claimable amount is $1,250 per month or $15,000 per year, giving a maximum benefit of $1,000 per month.
Benefits can be claimed for up to 26 weeks.

Christmas Bonus
Anyone claiming an income support benefit will receive the christmas bonus, of $25.

Pension
People earn “pension points” by paying social insurance. Each year earns you 2.5 points - you must have 100 points to be entitled. People who are on any form of income support benefit will still earn pension points, as their pension contributions will be paid by the State. People who don’t have enough pension points can pay ‘top-up’ contributions.

The pension age is 65. People who are disabled an unable to work may receive their full pension early, regardless of pension points.
Pensions are taxable income, but they're exempt from social contributions.

Pensions are calculated as 70% of your average top-10 years of earnings, inflation adjusted. This amount is called your ‘pensionable amount’. This amount is capped at $15,000 per year.

The maximum pension is $875 per month, and the minimum pension is $400 per month.

You’ll only get your full pension if you have 100 pension points. For example, someone with 50 pension points will only get 50% of their pension amount.

Any thoughts, suggestions?

They;re much better, but we also need a lower fuel tax. With a fuel tax of $2.50 per gallon, we'd be ruining our economy, unless we were in a more developed country.

I would raise minimum wage to $3.00 and then raise the rate of tax for $50,000+ to 60%. I would increase maternity leave to 24 weeks but increase the minimum work hours to 20 hours and allow fathers to share it with the mother, like with parental leave. Fuel tax should be cut to $1.05 a gallon and then raise wealth tax for over $10,000,000 to 12%, for $1,000,000- 10,000,000 to 6% and for $250,000- $1,000,000 to 3%.
I would cut student benefit to $325 and lower the cost of daycare to $1 a day.

[Mollary]

I'd back government loans to those wanting to under-take further training.

Wouldn't it be free, because we wouldn't be charging fees for education?

I assumed that would be for those who were going through for the first time, I'm talking about more of an industrial training program for those already in work who want to push up their skills and wages.

They;re much better, but we also need a lower fuel tax. With a fuel tax of $2.50 per gallon, we'd be ruining our economy, unless we were in a more developed country.

I would raise minimum wage to $3.00 and then raise the rate of tax for $50,000+ to 60%. I would increase maternity leave to 24 weeks but increase the minimum work hours to 20 hours and allow fathers to share it with the mother, like with parental leave. Fuel tax should be cut to $1.05 a gallon and then raise wealth tax for over $10,000,000 to 12%, for $1,000,000- 10,000,000 to 6% and for $250,000- $1,000,000 to 3%.
I would cut student benefit to $325 and lower the cost of daycare to $1 a day.

Taxes this high will start to cause capital flight, we need taxes at a reasonable rate to make sure we collect the optimum amount possible, not so high that we actually push it down by having the rich put all their money into the Cayman Islands. They may well do that anyway, but we'll be more likely to claw it back if we're taxing them at a rate that is lower.