Warren Buffett's secretary, Debbie Bosanek, will have a seat in the First Lady's box for President Barack Obama's State of the Union address today, serving as Exhibit A for the president's discussion of his "Buffett rule" tax proposal.
Last August Buffett complained that his 17 percent tax rate is the lowest in his office because he makes most of his money through capital gains and dividends, which are subject to a 15 percent tax rate. "I pay less than my secretary," Buffett later said, suggesting an extra tax for people who have multi-million-dollar incomes but pay low tax rates.
The proposal attracted wide attention from both political parties. Obama adopted the idea and during tonight's address to Congress is to explain it further.
As for Bosanek, she has kept quiet about the controversy except for a message that on her answering machine for a time. She apologized for missing calls and added:
"I'm out of the office, consulting with my tax advisor."
Contact the writer:
402-444-1080, steve.jordon@owh.com
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