Have you filed those tax returns yet? This week in OtherWords, Lindsay Koshgarian lays out the dollar by dollar figures for what you — the average taxpayer — spent your money on for the last tax year.
On the one hand, she reports, you made some prudent investments in health care, nutrition, green jobs, and the like. Good job! On the other hand, you spent a lot more on the Pentagon — and particularly on its for-profit contractors, who probably didn’t need the charity. Don’t miss Lindsay’s stellar list of tradeoffs we make when our federal budgeting priorities are out of whack — a Tax Day classic!
Taxes aren’t fun exactly, but most of don’t mind paying our fair share. But as Omar Ocampo writes this week, a foundational fact of our politics is that those who’ve gained the most from our system often chip in the least to support it. He reports this week on what the latest Forbes billionaire data shows us about the growth of the billionaire class, its political influence, and how better tax policy — including a stronger IRS — would be good for our economy and democracy.
Also this week, we’ve got another important housing piece for Fair Housing Month this April. Farrah Hassen looks at the growing trend of cities criminalizing people simply for lacking housing — and a Supreme Court case that could have national implications whether local governments can kick people when they’re down. A more humane, moral, and affordable policy would be simply to house people, she writes.
New This Week…
Last Year, You Spent More Than a Month’s Rent on Pentagon Contractors | Lindsay Koshgarian
A dollar by dollar look at how our taxes enrich military contractors — at the expense of things that actually make us secure.
Billionaires Are Bad for Democracy. Taxing Them Is Good for It. | Omar Ocampo | Apr 10, 2024
Extreme wealth inequality leads to extreme political inequality. Progressive taxation would be better for our economy and democracy alike.
We Need Housing, Not Handcuffs | Farrah Hassen
Too many communities are responding to rising homelessness by criminalizing the unhoused. It’s more humane and effective to house people.
Cartoon: You Know What Else Is Collapsing? | Khalil Bendib
Our standing in the world.
In Case You Missed It…
Rents Are Unaffordable Nationwide. A Renter’s Tax Credit Would Help. | Ashley Dines
A monthly tax credit that capped housing costs at 30 percent of income could keep millions of Americans — including me — in our homes.
Immigration Makes Our Country Stronger. Cruelty Makes It Weak.| Archi Pyati
The data is clear: more immigration means less crime, better pay, and a stronger country for native-born and immigrant Americans alike.
Israel’s Attacks on Aid Workers Must End | Mitchell Zimmerman
Over 200 relief workers have died under Israeli bombardment. The U.S. should stop sending arms until Israel ends these attacks and opens aid to Gazan civilians.
Making Ends Meet Is Hard Enough Without a Penalty for Coming Up Short | Brian Carss
The good news? The Biden administration is cracking down on abusive overdraft charges and late fees.
