Background information: In 2012, President Obama and Congress debated the issue of taxes and tax cuts. In this speech, President Obama is discussing the effects of a potential tax increase.
A typical middle-class family of four would see its income taxes go up by $2,200. That's $2,200 out of people's pockets. That means less money for buying groceries, less money for filling prescriptions, less money for buying diapers. . . .
. . . Businesses can't afford it either. . . . Economists predict that if taxes go up on the middle class next year, consumers will spend nearly $200 billion less on things like cars and clothes and furniture - and that obviously means fewer customers. That cuts into business profits. That makes businesses less likely to invest and hire, which means fewer jobs. And that can drag our entire economy down.
—President Barack Obama,
November 28, 2012
Which statements best communicate the main idea of this speech? Check all that apply.
Increased taxation on the middle class will improve the economy.
Lower taxes increase consumer spending.
Increased consumer spending strengthens the economy.
Higher taxes will have a severe impact on citizens.
Spending on social needs is a low priority.