Charts of the Day: How Republicans Are Using the Tax Code to Screw Democratic Voters
The Republican tax plan caps the mortgage interest deduction at $500,000. The Washington Post today has a lovely chart showing which states this hits most heavily: Blue states are footing nearly the entire bill for this. But maybe it’s just a coincidence. I decided to try my hand at a couple of more charts. Here’s…
President Trump Suddenly Loves the Civilian Justice System
I know I shouldn’t bother with this, but—oh hell, I’m just a weak man. Here is our president today: Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system… — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017 …There is also something appropriate about…
Scott Pruitt Is Making the EPA Safe for Fossil Fuels Again
Tom Fox/TNS via ZUMA This is yesterday’s news, but I never got around to highlighting it. However, it’s worth noting, if only for the historical record: Effective immediately, scientists who receive EPA funding cannot serve on the agency’s three major advisory groups…. “We want to ensure that there’s integrity in the process and that the…
401(k) Plans Are Back on the Chopping Block
ABC News reports that 401(k) retirement plans are on the chopping black after all: The White House, as the president tweeted, wanted to keep the current annual maximum for tax-free contributions ($18,000); House Republicans wanted to lower the limit to $2,400. The bill, as of this morning, would lower what individuals may contribute tax-free to…
Go Ahead and Politicize Tragedies. It’s OK.
Richard B. Levine/Levine Roberts/Newscom via ZUMA Just for the record, I have no problem with politicizing tragedy. There are limits, of course. Everyone should be sensitive toward the families of the victims, for example, and the general life rule of “don’t be an asshole” probably applies a little more strongly than it does all the…
Trump Granchildren Apparently Tapped to Name Tax Bill
Chris Kleponis/CNP via ZUMA Twitter is full of snark, which is the main reason I like it. Naturally, then, at first I thought this was snark. But it’s not: President Donald Trump has told senior congressional leadership that he wants to name the forthcoming tax reform bill the “The Cut Cut Cut Act,” a senior…