KU News Release

KU accounting students compare tax proposals from presidential candidates

LAWRENCE — Like everyone, University of Kansas accounting students Joe Isaac and Carlie Bittel are interested in the tax proposals being presented by presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

“The complexity of the tax law poses a substantial burden on taxpayers, and for many individuals, the subject proves quite frightening,” said Isaac.

So he decided to do something to increase understanding of the candidates’ proposals. He enlisted Bittel’s assistance in developing a brochure that compares the two proposals. The publication, “2008 Presidential Debate — Income Tax Plans,” answers the question “What do these plans mean for your income tax bill?” by providing a discussion of each candidate’s plan highlights, objectives and rationale; a comparison of today’s rates to plan rates; and general income tax information.

Raquel Alexander, assistant professor of business, credits Isaac with taking the initiative on this project. She also noted that Bittel and Isaac worked hard to balance the information on both candidates.

“This was Joe’s idea and Carlie was a tremendous help researching the candidates’ plans and wading through the rhetoric,” said Alexander. “It is difficult to present complicated tax information in an understandable and meaningful way, but they clearly succeeded in doing this.”

“This publication was created to help voters make an informed decision on Nov. 4,” said Bittel. “The subject matter is of interest to everyone at KU as well as the community-at-large.”

The brochure can be viewed at www.business.ku.edu/news-ElectionBrochure.

“The candidates’ tax plans are the backbone of their economic visions,” said Isaac. “The brochure was intended to provide clarity regarding this important issue, and we hope that it begets some healthy discussion in the weeks to come.”

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.