Proposes that state legislatures are a laboratory for mathematics. Discusses the mathematics involved in the three income tax proposals submitted to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1991 and the effects that each plan would have on families. The proposals included a flat rate plan, a graduated rate plan, and a compromise proposal. (MDH)

Suggests that in the mathematics classroom the federal income tax may serve as a familiar example to illustrate several aspects of the mathematical concept of function. (PK)

Proposes lessons for algebra students using the context of tax calculations to learn about the concepts of slope, split functions, averages, rates, marginal rates, and percents. Students explore ramifications of possible tax revisions. (MDH)