The problem with “one-time gifts” is that they are just that - one time. Why not raise salaries?
If you were a young soldier, would you rather have $3.50 extra on your check each month starting next year sometime, or $1776 right now before Christmas ?
I believe they are also getting a 4% increase to their Base Pay.
I LIVE ON SOC SEC OF $1488 A MONTH.
I WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO GET A NON- TAXABLE PAYMENT OF $1776.
Raises are in the package they just passed.
There’s another problem COP—servicemembers, especially young ones without significant obligations or responsibilities outside just themselves, making it to muster, etc., tend to have a thorny problem: Blowing bonus cash almost immediately on wasteful and unnecessary things.
For all of them to become temporarily semi-rich all at once is, frankly, to invite booze-filled, extravagance-strewn mayhem.
This Guy suggests parceling out the $1776 over six months instead of all at once.
Here's a thought. How about looking at it for what It is?? More than money, it is a gesture of gratitude to the 1% putting their butts on the line.
Absolutely!
The politicians want the gifts to have influence
To curry favor. And dependency.
(I’d be fine with a pay raise but people tend to believe they actually earn their wages. It is clearer to them when some politicians bestow “gifts” on them that they’re supposed to be thankful for the largesse. And show it with their votes
“Why not raise salaries?”
One possibility. Why not use it for expanded health care, VA hospitals, home renovations for disabled, boosting social security for members both retired and active... I’m sure there are a number of things they can do with the money rather than give it to the members to spend in a retail economy that would do good for all. Not everyone is depending on gifts like this while working. And with today’s salaries and amenities, the active member is living far greater than from years past. We have a lot of vets that need help, some more than others. We shouldn’t leave soldiers behind.
And even though it is money under the tree, it could be, accumulated, maybe better used by those that need it more. And if Trump wants to make it even more desirable, make it a tax write off as a donation. Everyone gets use of it that way.
wy69
Because it is more expensive. Trust me, I realize enlisted struggles, but every officer I know is very well off.