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12/18/2017: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
Dec 18, 2017

12/18/2017: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction

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But instead of physics, we’re talking about tax policy. With the tax bill nearer to reality, states are starting to grapple with the fact that under the new policy, taxpayers won’t be able to deduct as much from their state and local taxes. That means lawmakers are looking to create loopholes by converting non-deductible taxes into deductible taxes. And those are just short-term fixes — we also discuss what the long-term debate might look like. Plus, the rise of “reverse commuting” in American cities, and reports from Puerto Rico, where companies like Bacardi are still recovering from Hurricane Maria, and Athens, where we look at the lingering effects of the European debt crisis.

Segments From this episode

How businesses in Puerto Rico are recovering after Maria

Dec 18, 2017
"It's basically been a lot of effort to try and stay on my feet."
A convenience store in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico is open, after the owner lost $25000 in spoiled goods after Hurricane Maria.
Joanne Griffith/Marketplace

Why the tax debate won't end this December

Dec 18, 2017
The tax bill is likely to pass Congress this week, but the debate over taxes will rage on.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks as Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and other congressional Republicans listen during a press event on tax reform September 27, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Want to make a charitable contribution to your state?

Dec 18, 2017
Many people spend many dollars trying to get out of their tax bills by finding loopholes and workarounds. Well, it’s very likely that states are going to be doing the same thing in a year or two. The intent is to lower the burden on their own residents who can no longer deduct as many […]

In new White House security agenda, climate change is not a threat

Dec 18, 2017
One noticeable different between this White House agenda for national security, and that of the previous two administrations? This one includes zero mention of climate change as a national security threat. That may not mean funding cuts for defense or other programs that deal with climate change. But it does mean the White House is […]

New York joins a handful of states with family leave. Will other states follow?

Dec 18, 2017
Starting in January 2018, New Yorkers will be able to take paid leave when they give birth, adopt a new baby, or need to take care of a sick family member.
Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Companies offer private bus services to get young workers to commute from cities to the suburbs

Dec 18, 2017
As real estate in major cities continues to go up in price, companies are increasingly moving offices to the suburbs. In order to attract young workers from the cities, some companies offer private bus services for employees making the reverse commute.
Jennifer Fusco (left) and Laura Montero-Stern (right) on the Boston Scientific commuter bus in Massachusetts.
Aaron Schachter/ for Marketplace

But instead of physics, we’re talking about tax policy. With the tax bill nearer to reality, states are starting to grapple with the fact that under the new policy, taxpayers won’t be able to deduct as much from their state and local taxes. That means lawmakers are looking to create loopholes by converting non-deductible taxes into deductible taxes. And those are just short-term fixes — we also discuss what the long-term debate might look like. Plus, the rise of “reverse commuting” in American cities, and reports from Puerto Rico, where companies like Bacardi are still recovering from Hurricane Maria, and Athens, where we look at the lingering effects of the European debt crisis.

Music from the episode

Whips & Wild Horses Dang Clēts
Juicy - Radio Edit The Notorious B.I.G.
Dear To Me Electric Guest
You Know I'm No Good Amy Winehouse
Wishing Well Wild Cub
England The National