Michigan League for Human Services: Got Skin in the Game?
ITEP Work in ActionIt is often said that families who receive government assistance do not have any “skin in the game,” meaning that they use government-funded programs but do not contribute to the revenue that funds these programs. But, as Benjamin Franklin said, the only things that are certain are death and taxes and everybody pays taxes.
Wealth and earnings are fluid. People experience income changes throughout their lives. While they may not be subject to income tax in any given year, they likely paid income tax in other years. And, of course, everyone pays sales tax, and anyone who works is subject to payroll taxes. One way or another, we all have some “skin in the game.