Editorial: Budgeting gimmick should shame GOP

Friday, Oct. 1, 1999 | 9:02 a.m.

Congressional Republicans have painted themselves into a corner. In an effort to show their compassion -- and more importantly score some political points with voters for the 2000 elections -- they have committed themselves to not touching a dime of the Social Security trust fund as has been done in the past to offset spending on other government programs. But House Republican leaders are finding it difficult to keep this promise, so they are looking for other budgeting gimmicks.

One such gimmick being advocated is delaying the earned income tax credit refunds that 20 million working-class families receive, which House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., estimates will save $8.7 billion next year. Depending on the number of children they have, households earning between $10,000 and $31,000 are eligible for a maximum credit of $3,756. Instead of giving workers one lump-sum payment as is now the case, the Republican plan would offer monthly payments, which would allow the government to stretch out the expenditures, making it appear as if money is being saved. The problem with this, though, is that many of these Americans need that money immediately to pay large bills and provide for other important necessities, such as paying college tuition for their children.

All of this seems lost on the Republicans who are desperate to honor their pledge on Social Security and not bust the balanced-budget caps. If Republicans in Congress truly wanted to save some money they should consider reducing the corporate welfare that many industries receive in the form of tax breaks. But, then, these special interests are big campaign contributors, unlike those Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. Democrats are right to denounce this proposal's patent unfairness. The GOP should drop this misguided policy that unfairly targets low-income workers.