However, as we swiftly move to implement our state-directed bailout, we should -- to quote Senator Obama on Iraq -- 'be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in.' Let's publicly debate the purpose of our bailout, how we should spend the taxpayer check, and, of course, carefully monitor our new welfare to workfare program.
Like primary campaigns and the national conventions, the general election campaign is publicly funded through the taxpayer check-off system.
The Democratic and Republican nominating conventions are held during the summer prior to the November general election and are publicly funded through the taxpayer check-off system.
Presidential candidates who agree to limit their expenditures in the primaries and caucuses to a fixed overall amount are eligible for federal matching funds, which are collected through a taxpayer "check-off" system that allows individuals to contribute a portion of their federal income tax to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
Today's action revived the system of public campaign financing, with taxpayers checking off a box on their income tax returns to note whether they would donate a part of any anticipated refund to candidates.
The public financing system, funded by $3 contributions from taxpayers checking a box on their tax returns, provides a set amount of money to a candidate if he or she abides by certain spending limits.
The new form will allow the conscientious taxpayer to check off one-dollar contributions to (1) the American election campaign, (2) the Italian election campaign, (3) the Angolan regimental band of his choice, and (4) the Latin-American political entity he most wishes destabilized in Fiscal Year 1977.
There would be separate tax surcharges (and/or FICA increases) for the costs of health care, and Social Security, and the military, thus creating an effective taxpayer watchdog check on government spending, waste, inefficiency, and military adventurism other than national security.
And many believe that a more effective system might move more taxpayers to check the box.
Many state revenue departments now have features on their Web sites allowing taxpayers to check the status of their returns.
New York nonresident tax returns ask taxpayers to check a box if they maintain a permanent residence in New York State or City.
