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Joint Economic Committee Democrats

Publications

Nov 26 2018

GOP Tax Law Leaves Middle Class Families Behind

Nearly a year after the passage of the Republican tax law, millions of Americans are still waiting for the wage gains that Republicans promised—another disappointment after more than three decades of slow middle class income growth. Nonpartisan analysis shows that temporary bumps to middle class paychecks will fade over time, eventually making these Americans worse off by 2027. The tax law has proven to be a missed opportunity, yielding little to no benefit to the middle class. Instead, it has padded the profits of corporations who are using the extra cash to buy back their own stock, with buybacks expected to surpass $1 trillion this year.

Nov 15 2018

Innovation Spotlight: Historic Preservation in Potosi, Wisconsin

In a series called "Innovation Spotlight," Joint Economic Committee Democrats are highlighting cutting-edge policy solutions that empower small towns and rural communities across the nation. The latest edition looks at a brewery restoration project in Potosi, Wisconsin.

Nov 14 2018

Tax Credits Expand Adoption of Electric Vehicles

Last month, the United Nations released a report highlighting the devastating impacts of global warming. Without a drastic reduction in carbon emissions in the next 12 years, scientists predict the globe will miss its target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and greatly increase our risk of drought, floods, extreme heat, and poverty for millions of people. We need a variety of solutions to this pressing problem, including incentivizing more Americans to adopt electric vehicles.

Nov 13 2018

State and Local Government Infrastructure Investment Dwarfs Federal Government's Share

Public spending on transportation and water infrastructure as a share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has declined over the last several decades despite much needed investments across the country. When it comes to infrastructure investment, state and local governments have carried the burden for decades. In 2017, state and local governments accounted for nearly 78 percent of spending on transportation and water infrastructure. Increasing the federal government’s share should be a top priority, as federal infrastructure investment can create good jobs and increase economic activity.

Nov 12 2018

Administration Abandons Lending Protections for Service Members

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) under President Trump’s direction plans to eliminate its supervisory role under the Military Lending Act (MLA) of predatory lenders who charge excessive interest on loans to service members. These predatory lenders target young service members and their families who lack an established credit history and have less access to traditional forms of credit when emergencies occur.