Posted on 08/08/2020 2:41:07 PM PDT by Hojczyk
President Trump says he will sign an Executive Order to ease the suffering of those harmed by the pandemic-related shutdowns and to stimulate the economy. Congress has failed to agree on a new package to accomplish these things.
Trump’s Executive Order would include these four components: (1) a payroll tax holiday until the end of the year, (2) an extension of enhanced unemployment benefits until the end of the year, (3) an extension of the eviction moratorium for federal subsidized housing, and (4) a suspension of student loan payments until further notice.
Questions surround the legality of accomplishing at least some of these things via executive order. Trump’s response to that might be, “so sue me.”
There are also questions about the fiscal impact of some of the measures, at least for those who still care about the national debt. In addition, there are questions about the efficacy of a payroll tax cut and the wisdom of extended generous unemployment benefits.
However, as a political matter, Trump’s move looks like a masterstroke. Since the days of FDR, the public has always seemed to approve of presidents who act to ameliorate suffering while Congress diddles. A flurry of activity, even of the futile or potentially counterproductive kind, makes a president look energetic and caring.
In this instance, Trump’s move might well force congressional Democrats to reach a deal. That outcome, too, would be a political win for the president.
(Excerpt) Read more at powerlineblog.com ...
I understand what took place but I still don’t like EOs.
The spending is so far out of hand it probably doesn’t matter any more.
He’s pragmatic...if he can do the right thing and also finesse a political masterstroke, he’ll take the two-fer....
Lots of folks here are pissed about it but it increases his chance of winning and in that regard, I’m pleased as pie.
Only if Congress approves it. Trump can defer taxes but he can't cancel taxes required by congressional legislation.
I did not have a chance to but Trump cannot waive taxes that Congress approved. Only Congress can do that. Trump's expectation, I assume, is that Congress wouldn't want to take the heat for requiring people to pay the back taxes, but if they can blame it on Trump and make him look bad do you think for a moment that they won't take advantage of that?
Again, I'm not. If Trump could waive the tax entirely then why wouldn't he do that right off the bat? Why defer and then forgive? The answer is that he can't and he's hoping Congress will agree to waive it rather than make people pay it back. He's sadly mistaken if he really thinks the Democrats would do that for him.
“ How about this part: “Financially, Congress has the power to tax, borrow, pay debt and provide for the common defense and the general welfare;”
The President is supposed to faithfully execute the laws. Refusing to collect a mandated tax is not faithful execution.”
The President can’t create a tax...agreed. The natural state of man is to be not taxed.
But POTUS DOES have the power to pardon people from the effect of laws. Clemency comes in many forms.
When you say “Trump is acting like a King” by temporarily giving people relief from taxation that is quite upside down.
EXACTLY....We have to play with everything we have got..If that means playing like dems ...SO BE IT.....
But can’t you see that in your response you outline how it can be accomplished?
What is a better option with the current situation?
Ok... After reading all the EO's. They're written fairly well. They MIGHT hold up in court, given that they are all temporary and the President is acting using "Emergency Powers" while under an official declaration. Politically, it is brilliant.
I'm not sure he'll really be able to frame this as you say, as a "vote for the removal of the payroll tax". It is just temporary, after all... Congress eventually would have to approve it.
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about the elimination of the payroll tax. For half of Americans, this is the ONLY federal tax they pay. It's hard to get people who pay NO taxes to get excited about further reducing taxes or controlling spending. But, whatever... I'll take ANY tax cut I can get. That's money staying in the hands of the people.
It can't. Not without Congress.
And that was my point. I never said it couldn’t be done without Congress.
I’m still waiting to see what you’re preferred alternative is.
I’m not a fan of govt Santaclaus overspending, but at some point you have to punish the govt by force (EO) so they will re-open the economy. Many Dem governors and mayors have found new complete power in their lockdowns and decrees. They are happy to have a ruined economy if it hurts Trump re-election chances. I can see this as almost a Cloward-Piven tactic aimed against Democrats. Turnaround.
I see both sides of the argument and both have some merit.
But what we need more than anything is FREEDOM and we’re not getting that from any fed/state government layer, save SD.
It’s a third of the way through August already with no end in sight, now that is frightening.
One reason the payroll tax issue is seen as such a big issue for this administration right now is that the payroll tax is one more financial disincentive to go to work for those who would rather sit at home and collect $600/week in unemployment benefits on top of what their state already pays. Reducing the Federal benefit to $400 — while at the same time allowing working people to keep more of what they earn — seems like a great idea.
I think you may be missing the point. Trump wins big either way - he may even prefer for it to be "knocked down in the courts".
The term "master stroke" is just racist microaggression. /sarc
Agreed. For a short term benefit, it’s perfect.
They're actually reducing it to $300. He's calling on the states to kick in the extra $100. We'll see how many can afford that.
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