Paid to Buy American?

Would a tax credit for buying goods made in U.S. spur manufacturing?

We have all heard the calls to “buy American” and boost the economy here at home. But should we get paid to do so?

A couple of Democratic lawmakers think so. U.S. Reps. Ro Khanna of California and Debbie Dingell of Michigan recently introduced the Made in the USA Tax Credit Act, which would give a break to taxpayers for buying goods made entirely or almost entirely in the U.S.

The tax credit would be up to $2,500 for single filers and $5,000 for couples who file a joint return. Singles making less than $125,000 a year with less than $20,000 a year in investment income (the figures double for joint filers) would be eligible.

The proposal is aimed more at big ticket items like furniture and household appliances made by American companies with 500 or fewer employees.. Certain purchases would not be eligible, including services, tobacco, food, vehicles, firearms and a rather vague category called “luxury goods.”

“I’m proud to introduce the Made in the USA bill with Rep. Khanna to encourage consumers to support the family-owned small businesses here in our communities, and to look to American products first,’ Dingell said in a press release. “We must continue to strengthen our domestic manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, bring home good-paying jobs, and invest in American workers, and that’s exactly what this bill does.”

The bill still has to get through both houses of Congress and the president before anyone would see a tax credit. And, like a lot of bills, this one may never make it out of committee.

We want to know what you think. Do you support a tax credit for buying American goods? Do you think it would spur manufacturing and create good-paying jobs?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, March 6. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St, Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

Last Week: Out of Date?

Last week’s question was about school grooming codes requiring shorter hair for males than females. Should a school district have a limit on hair length for male students? Or is the concept outdated?

Absolutely, outdated and racist. This school complaint about length proves this is racist. This young man keeps his hair in locs, which is neat not below his ears. So what’s the problem? Answer he’s Black. There are so many more problems in Texas schools that are rated 41st throughout the nation and guns are practically encouraged in schools, so let’s play a new tune. — R.K., Texarkana, Texas