White House reveals $7.3T budget for 2025, combining taxes and spending
The White House Unveils Ambitious Budget Proposal for Fiscal 2025
The White House has just released its proposed budget for fiscal 2025, and it’s packed with a wish list of tax increases and spending proposals favored by Democrats. This bold budget includes $7.3 trillion in spending and a whopping $5.5 trillion in tax revenue, resulting in a deficit of nearly $1.8 trillion for 2025.
While it’s unlikely that these proposals will become law this year due to Republican control of the House of Representatives, they provide a glimpse into the initiatives President Joe Biden would pursue if he secures a second term.
Positive Economic Progress Under Biden’s Leadership
During a call with reporters, Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, highlighted the positive aspects of the economy under Biden’s just over three years in office. She emphasized the progress made on inflation and the impressive job growth, with the economy adding about 15 million jobs and maintaining an unemployment rate under 4% for over two years.
However, the budget does come with some concerns. While it would significantly raise taxes, from roughly 18% of GDP to over 20%, it would not close the deficit in the 10-year budget window. In fact, the federal debt held by the public could rise as high as 106% of GDP.
Biden’s Tax Plans: Targeting Corporations and the Wealthiest
Biden’s budget includes several tax proposals aimed at corporations and the wealthiest individuals. He plans to raise the headline corporate tax rate from 21% to 28%, as well as increase the corporate minimum tax from 15% to 21%. The budget also introduces stricter limits on corporations’ ability to deduct wages of high-paid employees.
Furthermore, Biden aims to increase taxes on the wealthiest Americans. While he has promised not to raise taxes on those making less than $400,000 per year, he supports implementing a 25% minimum tax for billionaires. This provision would only affect the top 0.01% of taxpayers.
According to the administration’s projections, raising the corporate tax rate to 28% could generate around $1.35 trillion over the next decade, while the billionaire minimum tax plan could bring in approximately $500 billion during the same period.
Housing Provisions and Paid Family Leave
The proposed budget also addresses housing affordability, which has reached record lows due to high mortgage rates and limited supply. The administration suggests providing a $5,000 tax credit for middle-class first-time homebuyers for two years, as well as a $10,000 credit for those who sell their starter homes.
In addition, Biden’s budget calls for a national paid family and medical leave program, offering up to 12 weeks of leave for eligible workers. This initiative would cost around $325 billion over the next decade.
Expanding Child Tax Credit and Border Security
The budget includes plans to expand the child tax credit to the levels seen during the pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act. This means increasing the credit to $3,600 for children under 6 and $3,000 for older children, with no income threshold for recipients. Reinstating the enlarged child tax credit is estimated to cost $310 billion through 2034.
Lastly, the budget allocates funding to strengthen border security, including hiring additional Border Patrol agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, asylum officers, and support staff. It also sets aside nearly $850 million for cutting-edge detection technology at ports of entry.
While the budget proposal serves as a wish list for Democrats, it’s important to note that some of the proposals face opposition even within the party. Nonetheless, it provides a clear messaging plan for Democrats heading into the upcoming election, where Biden and Trump are expected to secure their nominations.
What are the proposed investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare in President Biden’s budget proposal?
Those earning over $1 million, as well as closing tax loopholes and increasing taxes on capital gains for individuals earning over $1 million per year.
Investments in Infrastructure, Education, and Healthcare
The budget proposal also includes significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Biden plans to allocate $621 billion for transportation infrastructure, with a focus on modernizing roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. Additionally, the budget allocates $8 billion for environmental initiatives, aiming to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
In the education sector, Biden proposes allocating $293 billion for public schools, including expanding pre-K programs and increasing funding for schools serving low-income communities. The budget also includes $62 billion for community colleges, aiming to make them tuition-free for eligible students.
On healthcare, the budget includes provisions to enhance the Affordable Care Act and expand access to healthcare coverage. Biden plans to invest $435 billion to lower healthcare costs and expand access to premium subsidies offered through the ACA. Additionally, the budget proposes lowering prescription drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies.
Republican Opposition and Potential Compromises
Given the Republican control of the House of Representatives, it is unlikely that Biden’s budget proposal will pass in its entirety. Republicans have expressed concerns about the significant tax increases and the impact they may have on economic growth and job creation.
However, there is the possibility of finding common ground and reaching compromises on certain issues. Infrastructure investments, for example, have been identified as an area where bipartisan agreement may be possible. Republicans have also shown a willingness to invest in research and development, which aligns with Biden’s goal of boosting innovation and technological advancements.
Both parties will need to engage in productive negotiations and find common ground to address the nation’s pressing needs while also maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The Path Forward
While the ambitious budget proposal for fiscal 2025 offers a comprehensive vision for the nation’s future, its implementation will require extensive debate and negotiation. The budget’s tax proposals and spending initiatives reflect President Joe Biden’s priorities and objectives. However, with a divided Congress, compromises and adjustments are inevitable to pass legislation that addresses the needs of the American people.
It is crucial for both Democrats and Republicans to find common ground and work towards comprehensive solutions that promote economic growth, address societal challenges, and ensure sustainable fiscal policies. The budget proposal serves as a starting point for these discussions, setting the stage for the path forward towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all Americans.
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