Federal Taxes
What is the main purpose of federal income tax?
Our tax dollars fund many important services that benefit everyone in our community.
What is a common type of state tax?
State income tax (in most states, but not in FLORIDA)
Vehicle registration fees
Sales tax on purchases
What is a common local tax that residents pay?
Property taxes
Local sales taxes
What is one service provided by state governments?
Driver's licenses
Wildlife conservation
State parks
Unemployment benefits
What is one service typically provided at the local level?
Public schools, Police and fire protection, Libraries, Local parks and recreation, Garbage collection, Street cleaning & Public transportation
Name one type of tax collected by the federal government.
Income tax on wages
Social Security tax
Medicare tax
How do state sales taxes benefit the economy?
These support:
State roads and highways
Public schools, State parks & State police
How are local property taxes typically used?
These pay for: Public schools, Local parks and Street maintenance and Emergency Services
How does the state government support public education?
State departments of education hold a central position in overseeing public education within their respective states. Each state follows its own formula, but they all share a common goal: distributing money in ways that support student learning, reduce inequalities & meet diverse needs.
How do local governments maintain public parks?
Regular lawn mowing & landscaping, routine inspections, fixing broken equipment or damaged pathways. Managing waste, trash and recycling bin collection. Implement irrigation & maintenance systems to enhance plant biodiversity and aesthetics.
How do federal taxes help support the economy?
Taxes are money that citizens and businesses pay to help fund government operations.
What is the role of state income tax in funding public education?
State universities
State University System (SUS)
What role do local taxes play in funding public safety services?
Police and fire departments are all financed by local taxes
What role do state governments play in healthcare services?
Regulation of Healthcare Providers, Medicaid Administration, Public Health Initiatives: like disease prevention and health education. Healthcare Funding & Insurance Regulation: ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting consumers.
States also coordinate Emergency Preparedness.
Explain the role of local government in waste management.
Develop & enforce waste management policies & regulations waste collection/disposal. Promote recycling/composting programs to reduce landfill waste. Educate the community about proper waste disposal and environmental impacts while monitoring waste management practices for compliance and efficiency.
What is the difference between progressive and regressive taxes?
Progressive tax includes all direct taxes while regressive tax covers all indirect taxes.
Describe how state taxes are used to maintain infrastructure like roads and bridges.
State highways and roads are updated, repaired and expanded using State Taxes
Example Florida Turnpike
Explain how local taxes can impact community services such as parks.
Local taxes can be used to fund infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, public transportation, parks, and public facilities such as community centers or libraries.
Explain how state governments assist in transportation services.
How does local government support public libraries?
Staff salaries, books, other library materials, office supplies, and utilities are funded primarily by city and county taxes
Explain how federal taxes are used to fund national defense.
Our tax dollars fund many important services that benefit everyone in our community. The national defense is led by the military who are paid and financed by taxes.
Explain how state taxes support health services.
States collect taxes from certain providers and use that revenue as the state share of Medicaid spending.
Common Types of Provider Taxes are Nursing facilities, Hospitals, Care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Discuss how local taxes contribute to local education funding.
Your public school education is paid for by local taxes. Staff Salaries and School Construction for example.
Discuss how state governments support job training programs.
Workforce Programs - FloridaJobs.org
The program offers extended income support, training, employment and case management services, and many other benefits to displaced workers.
Discuss the importance of local government in community policing services.
Resource Allocation: Local governments provide funding and resources necessary for effective policing initiatives.
Community Engagement, Policy Development, Training and Support, Crime Prevention Programs.