Government Quote by Ronald Reagan
“The more government takes in taxes, the less incentive people have to work. What coal miner or assembly-line worker jumps at the offer of overtime when he knows Uncle Sam is going to take 60 percent or more of his extra pay?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1981 State of the Union, United States
Higher taxes reduce the financial reward for extra work, diminishing motivation for overtime or extra effort.
In simple terms: Taxes can lower work incentives.
Key Takeaway
Consider tax impacts on work motivation.
Themes
economics
tax policy
work incentive
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- business planning
- employee compensation
Key Concepts
public finance
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- Should tax rates balance revenue needs with work incentives?
- How do tax cuts affect overall economic growth?
A Different Perspective
If taxes fund essential services, the trade‑off may be justified.
