Will The Republicans In Congress Vote Against This? I Bet They Won't Even Allow It To Reach The Floor For A Vote.

Dems Propose Tax Refunds for Katrina Victims

by DavidNYC

Wed Sep 14th, 2005 at 19:43:10 EDT

While the Republicans are busy trying to find a way to pass their abhorrent bill to repeal the estate tax, Democrats on Capitol Hill are actually trying to propose some serious - and necessary - tax relief for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Congressman Rahm Emanuel, the chair of the DCCC, and Sen. Barack Obama (both of Illinois), are sponsoring the "Hurricane Katrina Accelerated Tax Refund Act":

This bill would immediately accelerate the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and applicable education incentives. By taking these steps, we can deliver resources on a fast-track basis to families that have worked hard, paid taxes and earned these tax benefits, all the while stimulating local economies. These Americans who have lost so much should receive their refunds now rather than later. There is precedent for fast-tracking tax refunds during times of crisis. As you know, in the wake of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Congress passed legislation to fast-track Child Tax Credit refunds.

Surely those displaced by Katrina deserve no less than those affected by the horrible tragedy of September 11th. As Obama put it:

"For families living paycheck to paycheck, a tax refund isn't just a welcome surprise at the end of the year but is money they count on to make ends meet. The families displaced by Hurricane Katrina need their refunds now more than ever, and their government has an obligation to do everything it can to help them get back on their feet."

After FEMA totally FEMA-ed everything, the least the federal government can do is make sure another federal agency (the IRS) does right by the victims of Katrina. Of course, this is only one piece of a much larger project that we need to undertake in order to provide for those affected by this tragedy, but at least it's one good starting point.