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"I understand that the former Imperator Aelianus Julius Vitellius levied these taxes to raise legions for the defense of Rome, but their revenues when portioned out from the rest of the treasury revenue are minuscule at best," Senator Bassus Maximinus stated. He eyed his grandfather, Postumus Maximinus, and continued with a nod from him. "I think that these taxes should be revisted; 1c per 0-5 liter amphora made, 5c per 6-15 liter made, and 8c per 16-25 liter made; 10c per cartload of ore from any mines; 1as per yard of lumber entering the city; 5c per textile bolt entering or leaving the city;1as per brick made."

"At this time of peace, we should be looking for ways to reduce the burden of the merchant, and the poor, and encourage economic growth. Now that trade is flowing freely in all parts of the empire," Bassus said. "the loss of this particular tax revenue will likely be made up with increased trade."

Consul Cicero Julianus stood to add his point of view...

"A fine proposal from Senator Bassus Maximus, reduced taxes on trade will improve trader loyalty and quite possibly increase the new volumes of trade that will flow in from the east."

"If we intend on aiding the poor may I add a suggestion, reducing the amount of tax per item will not actually reduce the cost of the product in the market, as any business man will tell if they reduce the cost of expenditure then they will keep the prices the same to increase profit. If you want to help the poor you need to set a rate on how much a loaf of bread cost or how much fish costs in the market. A business man is still a business man, they are in it for the money not there fellow man. A highly humanist ideal but one that is being put forward"

Consul Julianus sat down...

Senator Commodus Vitellius stood to speak...

"I concur with the noble Consul, to decrease the traders will improve trade yes but will they actually lower there prices to ensure that the poor benefit from it."