[PEN-L:11530] Info request re new tax accord

[Gil Skillman <gskillman@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This is a plea for help.  I'm writing an angry letter to my Congresspeople
concerning the egregious tax and budget accord between Congress and the
President's office, particularly concerning the proposed capital gains tax
cuts.  I'd like more specific and/or up-to-date information on the following
for the US economy:

1)  What percentage of new investment in productive capacity is financed by
retained earnings?  What percentage is financed by borrowing from financial
institutions?  What percentage is financed by assets held in existing
pension funds?

2)  Is there a segment of such investment--e.g. "venture capital"--that is
particularly dependent on private purchases of financial instruments?  How
much so?

3)  What percentage of realized capital gains come from assets which do not
represent new investments in productive capacity, e.g. previously issued equity?

4)  Is there any significant (new) evidence on the beneficial economic
effects of cutting the capital gains tax?  Paul Craig Roberts seems to think
there is, but, well, consider the source.

Doug?  Max?  Anyone?  Thanks in advance for any help.

In solidarity, Gil Skillman

PS--I'd be happy to post a copy of the final draft to anyone who would like
to use it as a template for their own communication.