South By North Strategies, Ltd.

The New York Times recently estimated what $60 billion per year — the approximate  amount of annual  revenue lost if the top Bush-era tax cuts expire — might buy. Among the options were the following:

• “As much deficit reduction as the elimination of earmarks, President Obama’s proposed federal pay freeze, a 10 percent cut in the federal work force and a 50 percent cut in foreign aid – combined.”
• “Universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, with relatively small class sizes.”
• “Free college, including room and board, for about half of all full-time students, at both four- and two-year colleges.”
• “A $500 tax cut for all households.”