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Bill’s Education Benefit a Triumph for CWA
Scores of economists agree with labor unions and social activists: The $1.35 trillion tax cut that President George W. Bush signed into law in June is fiscally irresponsible and grossly favors the country’s wealthy.
Yet one little-known section of the tax package is giving CWA cause to celebrate. Tucked into the new law is an expansion of an existing education credit that the union has long fought for.
“Sometimes bad legislation that is a top priority for the White House can become a vehicle for legislation that can help our members,” CWA Chief Lobbyist Lou Gerber said. “We hitched a ride on their bill.”
Since 1986, taxpayers have been allowed to exclude from taxable income up to $5,250 a year for employer-paid education expenses. Under the new bill, graduate education as well as undergraduate expenses can be excluded. And the exclusion is permanent. In the past, CWA had to lobby to have it renewed every year.
CWA President Morton Bahr, a strong advocate for members’ education, said the tax benefit has helped thousands of CWA families, and now can help thousands more. “This makes it financially easier for our members and their families to gain the skills and knowledge they need for jobs in the new economy, and that is vital to our interests,” Bahr said.
Yet one little-known section of the tax package is giving CWA cause to celebrate. Tucked into the new law is an expansion of an existing education credit that the union has long fought for.
“Sometimes bad legislation that is a top priority for the White House can become a vehicle for legislation that can help our members,” CWA Chief Lobbyist Lou Gerber said. “We hitched a ride on their bill.”
Since 1986, taxpayers have been allowed to exclude from taxable income up to $5,250 a year for employer-paid education expenses. Under the new bill, graduate education as well as undergraduate expenses can be excluded. And the exclusion is permanent. In the past, CWA had to lobby to have it renewed every year.
CWA President Morton Bahr, a strong advocate for members’ education, said the tax benefit has helped thousands of CWA families, and now can help thousands more. “This makes it financially easier for our members and their families to gain the skills and knowledge they need for jobs in the new economy, and that is vital to our interests,” Bahr said.