Right Pride on America

Death Tax repeal. The Death Tax is imposed on transferable estates of deceased persons. This tax, on property and assets which have already been taxed once, is as high as 55% and discriminates against gay couples. These couples are not eligible for the marital exemption, without which an estate can be taxed twice: First, when inherited by a surviving partner, and second, upon the death of that same surviving partner. This is equal to triple-taxation.
Domestic Partner Tax Equity. Extend the same tax benefits and privileges available to traditional couples, to same-sex couples.
Capital Gains Tax Cuts. Taxes on capital gains and dividends represent a double-taxation of investment returns, and discourages investment in our economy. Capital gains and dividends received by individual investors are paid through company profits, which have already been taxed at the corporate level.
Corporate Tax Cuts. The corporate tax rate in America is as high as 39.5%, more than triple that of Ireland (12.5%). Reducing these tax rates will help jumpstart the economy, create new jobs and keep companies here in the United States.
A Fair, Flat and Simple Tax Code. As of February 2009, the current U.S. Federal Tax Code is 67,204 pages long, with 1,638 different tax forms. It is impossible to read and fully understand, and contains unnecessary loopholes.

Free Market Solutions. Reforms should be designed to create entrepreneurial energy in health care, increase healthy competition, control skyrocketing costs, and include basic rules to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
One Nation, One Market. Allowing consumers to purchase insurance plans across state lines would improve access to coverage for low-income families, increasing choice and allowing true competition for our business. A 2007 study showed that insurance premiums in New York ($338) were triple those in Iowa ($98). Also, removing the current interstate restrictions would allow same-sex couples to purchase joint policies from states that offer them.
Individual Ownership. Emphasizing individual ownership of health care insurance would prevent discriminatory practices by an employer or the government, and prevent gaps in coverage when changing jobs. These plans will be affordable if health care reforms are structured to control skyrocketing costs, and allowing consumers to purchase only the coverage they want and need.

Inheritable Personal Savings Accounts. The existing Social Security system will be unable to provide retirement benefits for those graduating from college this year. The government currently spends Social Security surpluses on general government programs. With inheritable personal savings accounts, individuals would be able to divert a portion of their Social Security tax into an account with their name on it - safe from government's hand. These accounts would also give gay and lesbian couples the same opportunity to leave their accounts to their spouse as their straight counterparts enjoy today.

Respecting the proper role of the judiciary. We believe our Constitution should be respected and that judges appointed to the federal bench should recognize the proper and appropriate role of the judiciary, as laid out by our Founding Fathers.

Hold the line on spending. Demand that elected officials stand up for all taxpayers against wasteful and unnecessary government spending and reduce the national debt, which is at $12.5 trillion and rising. In August 2009, interest alone on our debt totaled $10,022 per second.
Transparency in government. Allow Americans to know who is writing our bills, who is proposing pork-laden earmarks and exactly how our government is spending our money.

Fight global extremists. An uncompromising stance against radical regimes and terrorist organizations who not only threaten freedom and democracy abroad, but criminalize homosexuality and murder tens of thousands of innocent gays and lesbians world-wide.

Oppose any federal amendment defining marriage. Marriage has always been, and should remain, a state issue.

Free market reforms. Encourage and support small businesses and entrepreneurship in the gay community.

Urban Reforms. Expansion of Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives, which encourage private sector rehabilitation of historic buildings and cost-effective community revitalization, generating jobs and creating moderate and low-income housing.
Support for School Choice. Help families provide the best educational opportunities for their children through Open Enrollment, Home Schooling, School Vouchers, Charter and Empowerment Schools and Tuition Tax Credits.

Protect 2nd amendment rights. The right to defend ourselves and our property is one of the most fundamental American values articulated in our Constitution. This is especially important for gays and lesbians, who are at a higher risk of being the target of violence.