Research shows that economic inequality has reached historic levels. Not since the Great Depression have America's wealthiest citizens controlled such a large portion of the country's wealth.

These extreme levels of inequality are bad for our economy for several reasons. Countries with higher economic inequality show lower levels of long-term economic growth. One reason is that the wealthy spend a lower percentage of their money than the poor, who must spend all of their money to subsist. Because of this, concentration of wealth and income in the hands of a few means less consumer spending. Low consumer spending creates a stagnant economy, reducing business' profits and employees' wages.

Also, extreme inequality means the poorest Americans face unprecedented challenges to advance in society. High poverty rates mean that poor Americans do not have the motivation or means to invest in education. The result is a less skilled workforce that hurts the productivity of the U.S. economy in both the short and long term.

We should take a stand against increasing levels of economic inequality. We are calling on America's elected politicians to fight inequality at every level of government: federal, state, and community. Therefore, we ask that you please sign our petition to raise the income tax rate on Kansas's wealthiest citizens.