Bernie Moreno, a Republican candidate for Senate, recently made a promise to limit federal taxes on law enforcement officers and other first responders. He stated that if elected, he would introduce legislation to cap income tax for police officers at 5%, as well as for fire and other emergency workers. Moreno believes that the money for such tax cuts could be recouped by slashing federal funding to states, cities, and “rogue prosecutors” who are not following immigration laws. He emphasized that first responders who put their lives on the line should not be taxed above 5%.
This promise from Moreno is part of a larger trend within the GOP to reduce Americans’ tax burden. The party has been promoting the idea of no tax on tips and overtime, as well as increased child-tax credits, to motivate voters at the ballot box. This strategy appears to be effective, as some law enforcement officials like Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, a former Democrat, see the benefit of reduced federal income tax for first responders. Thoroughman believes that this tax cut could help address staffing shortages within law enforcement departments.
Sheriff Scott Anger from Greene County also expressed support for Moreno’s plan, stating that the majority of sheriffs in the state support him. However, the logistical reality and constitutional legality of Moreno’s proposal are uncertain. University of Dayton politics professor Chris Devine mentioned that Republicans in Washington would need to overcome complex hurdles to implement this tax cut. He noted that singling out specific types of workers for tax breaks is unusual, as tax rates are typically based on income levels rather than job types.
The proposal to limit federal income tax for first responders raises questions about fairness and equity within the tax system. Devine compared Moreno’s plan to previous proposals such as eliminating taxes on tips, which have raised similar concerns regarding targeting specific groups for tax breaks. The landscape of the tax system may need to be reconsidered if policies like Moreno’s are to be enacted. The race between Moreno and Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is currently too close to call and could determine which party controls the Senate.
Overall, Moreno’s promise to cap income tax for first responders plays into the broader GOP campaign to reduce taxes for Americans. While some law enforcement officials support this idea as a way to address staffing shortages, the practicality and legality of implementing such a tax cut remains uncertain. The conversation around tax policy, fairness, and the priorities of the federal government may need to be reevaluated in light of proposals like Moreno’s.
