Using Stimulus Funds for Tax Cuts? It’s Fine.
Yes, Republicans are benefiting from federal spending they opposed. But Democrats may still reap the electoral rewards.
Define “help.”
Photographer: Tasos Katopodis/Getty
Here’s a story of how federalism may lead to policy wins for Republicans — and electoral help for Democrats.
The Washington Post’s Catherine Rampell has a nice column about how generous aid to states from a series of federal relief bills, including the large one passed last year without any Republican support, is giving Republicans an opportunity to slash taxes in states where they dominate. Democrats were already upset about their opponents taking credit for projects funded by bills they opposed. They had even anticipated that Republicans would try to use these funds for tax cuts, but failed to agree on language prohibiting it.