Tax reform, monuments generate holiday food fights
The holiday season (President Trump prefers that we say “Christmas season”) is officially upon us. Americans are in a mad dash to complete shopping and work projects before relaxing. Politicians are also scrambling at year’s end. We explore some of the action.
A UtahPolicy.com poll showed 53 percent of Utahns agree with the Republican spin on federal tax reform (make the tax system simpler, fairer and help the middle class), while 34 percent agree with the Democratic spin (
Pignanelli: “No one feels undertaxed. Tax reform is an important issue, and there must be an inherent sense of fairness.” —
The politics of comprehensive tax reform are similar to the politics of a successful
The proposals contain some important items (simplification, lower rates, potential child credit, ending regressive state tax deductions), but others are typical D.C. frustrations. In one version, corporate tax breaks are permanent, but middle-income earners could lose their reduction in 10 years because of the “Byrd Rule.” The
Menu advice to
Webb:
Pignanelli: The president will announce on Monday the reduction of at least two national monuments (Bears Ears, Grand Staircase) and possibly others. This alone will generate huge emotional outbursts — on both sides of the issue.
But the biggest question is what else the president says once on the tarmac. He will have been trapped in Air Force One for hours and eager to tweet and speak on whatever has grabbed his attention. It is anyone’s guess what will dominate the news from
Webb: Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante will be mere shadows of their former selves — but still plenty big. The sensitive, spectacular parts (still enormous acreage) of these natural treasures will remain national monuments and, perhaps, will someday become national parks. Environmental and leftist groups will throw tantrums. No one else will notice. I’ve hiked those areas and, believe me, it’s really big country.
Watch for a fascinating sideshow:
Last week,
Pignanelli: UTA is the classic dichotomy: an award-winning efficient system with great employees that is sadly saddled with massive PR problems and debt issues. So, state lawmakers demanding changes is a natural, and needed, reaction. But local governments are the conduits of financing for the transit system and need to be included in policy decisions. Expect more deliberations.
Webb: UTA has had its problems, but compared to many transit agencies across the country, UTA is today a model of good management, efficiency and smooth operations. The subway systems in
Under new leadership and with former Lt. Gov.
Republican
CREDIT:
North Carolina Utilities Commission Issues Order Involving Central Moving & Storage
Advocates Gather at State Capitol to Detail Harm U.S. Senate Tax Plan
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