Tax Cut Isn't Perfect, But It's a Start

Cal Thomas | Syndicated columnist | Published: May 11, 2001

Tax Cut Isn't Perfect, But It's a Start

They said he couldn't do it, but he did. President Bush yesterday won the most substantial tax cut in 20 years when the Senate passed his 2002 budget by a vote of 53-47.

Five Democrats voted with the president. Two Republicans voted against him.

The measure is imperfect, but it's a start. It stretches the tax cut over 11 years, which will do little to help the economy. Details over the marriage penalty tax, estate tax relief and bigger child tax deductions, as well as marginal rate cuts - the biggest prize of all - are to be worked out in the next few days.

Spending increases, with the exception Social Security and Medicare, are limited to 4 percent. I would have preferred to see spending reductions, but this is a start, and if enough fiscal conservatives are elected next year, the spending and tax cuts will almost surely continue.

Bush has shown tremendous leadership on the budget issue in the face of liberal Democrat and liberal media opposition (which is the same thing).

Tax Cut Isn't Perfect, But It's a Start