Tax Cuts, the Deficit and the November Election
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The Bush tax cuts are about to expire, paving the way for another election-year show down. What are the possible options for individual taxpayers, the deficit and the economy? Also, a federal judge blocks key parts of Arizona's new immigration law. On Reporter's Notebook, is America ready for an electric car? General Motors once said, "No." Now it says, "Yes." We hear about the Chevy Volt and its competitors.
Making News
Judge Blocks Key Part of Arizona Immigration Law ()
Arizona's immigration law is scheduled to take effect tomorrow, but today a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against key provisions that might be unconstitutional. Randal Archibold reports from Phoenix for the New York Times.
Guests:
- Randy Archibold: National Correspondent, New York Times
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Main Topic
Tax Cuts, the Deficit and the November Election ()
Tax cuts signed into law by George W. Bush were attacked for making the rich richer at the expense of the Middle Class, and for helping to turn a federal surplus into a deficit. They are scheduled to expire at the end of this year and Republicans are warning of the biggest tax increase in history. President Obama wants to let the tax cuts expire in the top bracket, but keep them in place for individuals making $200,000 or less and for couples at or below $250,000. The impending epic political battle will have high stakes for taxpayers, the deficit and economic recovery. Will Republicans and Democrats find a middle ground in an election year? What are the consequences of no action at all?
Guests:
- David Herszenhorn: Congressional Reporter, New York Times, @herszenhorn
- William Gale: Co-director, Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center
- Doug Holtz-Eakin: former Director, Congressional Budget Office, @djheakin
- Bruce Bartlett: former staffer, US Treasury Department
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Reporter's Notebook
Chevy Volt's Sticker Shock and Range Anxiety ()
When in 2003 General Motors killed the electrically powered EV1, the auto-maker was accused of conspiring with the oil industry and Washington politicians. Now, to the applause of environmentalists — and with the promise of tax rebates — GM is unveiling another electric car, the Chevy Volt, with a price tag of $41.000. Chuck Squatriglia is editor of Wired.com's Autopia blog.
Guests:
- Chuck Squatriglia: Editor, Wired's 'Autopia' blog
Links:
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