Is the BBB really an “abomination”? No- there’s a lot of good in the bill. Some items which have not been widely reported were highlighted recently by my friends at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, Steve Moore et al, in their daily broadside. (Everyone should sign for the Daily Unleash Prosperity Hotline – it’s terrific.
We know about the Medicaid eligibility changes, which are necessary, vilified on the Left but totally reasonable. And of course eliminating the EV mandates which angered Elon Musk. But there are other important items as well such as:
- Opening federal lands to oil, gas, coal, geothermal and minerals leasing. The industries of tomorrow need energy – lots of it – and the U.S. has it. To build out AI, databanks etc, we need cheap energy and Trump will deliver.
- Expands immediate expensing for businesses spending money on equipment and machinery. We want companies to build here: why not reward them for doing so?
- Increases the endowment tax on universities that have big endowments. Given rising antisemitism and Leftism on campuses, the public will probably endorse this change. Schools have brought this on themselves, and may not be out of the woods yet.
- Cancels Biden’s illegal student loan bailouts. Nothing offends non-college educated people more than the thought that college kids, whose degrees will allow them to earn more over their lifetimes than those who couldn’t go for higher ed, are given a pass on loans they committed to repaying. The policy fosters a sense that no one is accountable and that it’s ok to walk away from serious obligations.
- Incentivizes school choice scholarships that give families choices about how best to educate their kids. What could possibly be more important? A huge majority of the country (more then 2/3) applauds school choice, for good reason. If you’re caught in a failing school district, as many are, charter or parochial schools may offer a good option- an option that is accessible with vouchers or some other assist. Who is against school choice? The teachers unions, who fear competition, for good reason.
There’s more good policy in the bill- let’s hope the Senate doesn’t dumb it down!
