新西兰英语 65 National Party’s Tax Cuts

　　On Monday, the present government had to open the books before the election¹ to show how much money the country has. Just as we expected, it was bad news. Last year the books showed the government had more money than expected but things are very different now. The books were mostly in the red with a deficit² of nearly $6 billion. This is the difference between the money coming in and going out of the country. This deficit occurred before the recent financial troubles in the USA so it is likely the deficit will get worse in the future.
Today, the National Party announced their planned tax cuts if they become the government after the elections³. John Key said that because of the bad economic situation, it is now impossible to offer the tax cuts that he wanted to offer. However, he still promised tax cuts for those on low and middle incomes. From April 1st next year, people earning less than $14,000 will pay 12.5% in tax, while those earning more than $14,000 but less than $48,000 will pay 21%. There will also be a rebate⁴ of $10 a week for anyone earning between $24,000 and $48,000 if they don’t receive a benefit or Working for Families money or New Zealand Superannuation. John Key said they can find the money for tax cuts by making changes to Kiwi Saver and cutting some other spending. He believes that tax cuts will help the economy to grow by encouraging people to spend.
Meanwhile, the financial problems around the world have affected⁵ the NZ dollar which fell tonight to around 58.5c from 67.5c a week ago. Unemployment is up which means there will be less money for the government from taxes and more money needed for benefits. These are worrying economic times but the Minister of Finance⁶, Michael Cullen, says that New Zealand is in a good position. The New Zealand economy is ‘sound’ he said, which means ‘safe and sound’.

1 election   

n.选举，选择权；当选

参考例句：

• There is no doubt but that he will win the election.毫无疑问，他将在竞选中获胜。
• The government will probably fall at the coming election.在即将到来的大选中，该政府很可能要垮台。

2 deficit   

n.亏空，亏损；赤字，逆差

参考例句：

• The directors have reported a deficit of 2.5 million dollars.董事们报告赤字为250万美元。
• We have a great deficit this year.我们今年有很大亏损。

3 elections   

n.选举，当选，推举( election的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Republicans got shellacked in the elections. 共和党在选举中一败涂地。
• He emerged victorious in the elections. 他在竞选中脱颖而出获得胜利。

4 rebate   

v./n.折扣，回扣，退款；vt.给...回扣，给...打折扣

参考例句：

• You can claim a rebate on your tax.你可以要求退回部分税款。
• Customers are to benefit from a rebate on their electricity bills.顾客将从他们的电费退费中得到实惠。

5 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

6 finance   

n.财务管理，财政，金融，财源，资金

参考例句：

• She is an expert in finance.她是一名财政专家。
• A finance house made a bid to buy up the entire company.一家信贷公司出价买下了整个公司。