The Hidden Costs of Conservative Policy Making

Conservatives have focused first on helping the most privileged in America. The day to day needs of ordinary Americans have been an afterthought, at best.

After more than five years of conservative rule in Washington, more and more Americans have been mugged by reality. To them, it's clearer than ever that conservatives' modest tax breaks don't make up for lower pay checks and higher costs for necessities.

These are the "hidden costs" of conservative policy-making. And today, it's become almost impossible for conservatives to keep these costs hidden.

President Bush declared his tax breaks would provide "the greatest help for those most in need." In reality, conservative policies have delivered meager tax savings for most Americans, while most of his tax cuts went to millionaires.

In 2006, low-income families received an average tax break of $23, while middle-income families got an average tax break of $746. By contrast, the average tax break for millionaires was over $111,500.

Meanwhile, low- and moderate-income families have not been able to keep up with higher costs for necessities like health care, housing, education and gasoline. In 2006 the average cost to a middle-income earner for these necessities has ranged from $13,879 to as high as $28,064.