By Douglas V. Gibbs
First, Trump announced if elected he would pursue no taxes on tips. As a constitutionalist I have always been an opponent of direct taxation, so I liked what he had to say on that issue. Trump, if elected, is also likely to reduce federal taxation across the board. That is one of the ways to start pumping life into struggling economies. Lowering taxes not only leaves more money in people’s pockets, but it reduces the penalty for doing business. Economies always respond in a positive manner when taxes are reduced.
Then, Kamala Harris announced she is also in favor of no taxes on tips. She announced it like she came up with this fantastic new idea. Trump immediately accused her of not being original, and being incapable of coming up with her own policy ideas.
Watching all of this I had to ask myself, “Okay, Harris is suddenly wanting to cut taxes; a weird thing for a Democrat – especially a radical, far left, progressive commie like Kamala Harris. Where did that ‘no taxes on tips’ thing come from, anyway? Why would a hardcore, far left, extremely radical Democrat announce that she would kill taxes on tips if she became President?
Nevada.
I have no doubt that the policy during a Harris administration would never see the light of day. That’s not the point. Nevada is a battleground State, and the Democrats believe they will need Nevada if they are to pull off enough electoral votes in November to hang on to the White House. Nevada has more registered Democrats than Republicans, but Trump could steal many of those votes if those voters are voting with their pocketbooks. Kamala had to counter his offer with the same offer, essentially cancelling it out and leaning things back towards the Democrats; or at least, I believe that is what they are thinking.
Remember, Nevada is full of casinos and hotels. Tourism is their primary income, and a large segment of Nevada’s population make their living in that industry. The service industry from waiting tables, delivering drinks to gamblers, to being a busboy at a hotel is one extremely dependent on tips. These types of jobs are exempt from the minimum wage, so tips are a key part of the income of these persons. A promise of no taxes on tips could tip the balance in Nevada. Trump knew it when he made the offer, and Kamala knows it to be true as well, which is why she launched the counter-offer. No-taxes-on-tips puts more money in the pockets of service workers, and it is good for Nevada’s economy.
In the end, Nevadans need to simply ask themselves, “Is Harris sincere, or is her no taxes for tips offer just another potential flip flop that would disappear the moment she raises her scepter and sits on her throne?”
— Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
