IRS Union Backs VP Harris: Concerns Rise Over Government Expansion

Person speaking at podium with microphones and flag background.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), representing IRS workers, has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, sparking concerns about government expansion and potential increased taxation.

At a Glance

NTEU endorses VP Harris, praising her support for IRS funding increases
Critics warn of potential government overreach and higher taxes
The endorsement highlights the debate over the size and role of federal agencies
Harris’ campaign promises include eliminating federal income taxes on tips for some workers
The controversy is likely to be a key issue in the upcoming election

IRS Union Backs Harris Amid Budget Boost

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents IRS employees, has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president. This endorsement comes in the wake of significant IRS budget increases under the Biden-Harris administration, including an $80 billion boost over ten years through the Inflation Reduction Act and plans to hire 87,000 new IRS agents. The administration’s 2025 budget proposal calls for an additional $104 billion for the IRS.

NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald announced the endorsement, citing Harris’ respect for federal employees and commitment to investing in their work. The union praised Harris for her support of fair pay, paid family leave, adequate agency funding, and robust collective bargaining rights.

The IRS agent union just endorsed Kamala Harris. In case you needed another reason. https://t.co/LYPLw1w22Y

— Joe Borelli (@JoeBorelliNYC) September 21, 2024

Concerns Over Government Expansion

The endorsement has ignited a firestorm of debate about the proper role and size of government. Critics, including Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz, have questioned the significant budget increases for the IRS. Conservative commentators have expressed concerns about potential government overreach and increased scrutiny of everyday Americans.

“Now, the Biden-Harris administration’s 2025 budget proposal calls for an additional $104 billion for the IRS. That’s eight times the annual budget, just two years after Congress appropriated an amount that was seven times the agency’s annual budget. What is going on here?” – Fox News contributor Jason Chaffetz

Social media reactions have been swift, with many conservative and libertarian voices sounding the alarm over this endorsement and the policies it represents. Fears of increased taxation under Harris’s leadership and ethical concerns about the union’s political involvement have been prominent themes in the public discourse.

Harris’s Stance on Taxes and Workers

In response to criticism, Harris has proposed measures aimed at benefiting workers in the service industry. On August 10, she announced a plan to eliminate federal income taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers earning $75,000 or less. This proposal appears to be an attempt to counter claims that her policies would lead to increased taxation for average Americans.

“When it comes to treating federal employees with respect, valuing their service and investing in their work, Kamala Harris is the clear choice. She shares our values and our commitment to making sure that the federal government works for all Americans.” – NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald

It’s important to note that despite claims in some political advertisements, the IRS did not implement a new voluntary program for employers to report tips earned by workers. A Treasury Department spokeswoman confirmed there are no plans to move forward with such a program.

IRS Agents Union Endorses Kamala Harris, Cites Inflation Reduction Act Windfall https://t.co/ZSdip1bamd

— Media Research Center (@theMRC) September 21, 2024

Implications for the 2024 Election

As the 2024 election approaches, this controversy highlights the stark differences in vision for America’s future between the major political parties. The debate over the IRS budget increases and the role of public sector unions in politics is likely to be a significant campaign issue.

While Harris and her supporters argue that increased funding for the IRS will lead to better service and more efficient tax collection from wealthy individuals and corporations, opponents fear it could result in more audits of middle-class Americans and small businesses.

As voters consider their choices, they will need to weigh the potential benefits of a well-funded federal workforce against concerns about government expansion and its impact on individual liberties and the economy. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching consequences for the future of taxation and government services in the United States.