Tax reform was going to be tax simplification. Tax returns on post cards. Right. Read this piece by John Cassidy explaining that besides its "unfairness" and "corrupt nature," [w]hat isn’t yet fully appreciated" about the Trump tax legislation is how porous and potentially unstable the rest of the tax code will be after the bill is passed. […]
by Jeff Sovern Advocates for some positions sometimes block the federal government from researching or supporting research on issues. For example, supporters of gun rights have long had the votes to prevent the government from obtaining data about gun safety. See, e.g., Newsweek's report titled THE GOVERNMENT WON'T FUND RESEARCH ON GUN VIOLENCE BECAUSE OF […]
Microsoft says it is "eliminating a requirement that employees pursue sexual harassment and gender bias claims through arbitration instead of in court, after revelations this year of improper behavior across technology, entertainment and other industries." The company is also "supporting a proposed federal law that would widely ban [forced arbitration] agreements." That's fantastic news; it truly is. Other businesses […]
In early October of this year, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau finalized its payday loan rule. In a press release, the agency described the rule's benefits this way: The CFPB rule aims to stop debt traps by putting in place strong ability-to-repay protections. These protections apply to loans that require consumers to repay all or most of […]
Is this coincidence or self-dealing by our despicable president? It's actually hard to know. David Sirota and Josh Keefe report that Republican congressional leaders and real estate moguls could be personally enriched by a real-estate-related provision GOP lawmakers slipped into the final tax bill released Friday evening, according to experts interviewed by International Business Times. The […]
Laurie J. Beyranevand of Vermont has written Regulating Inherently Subjective Food Labeling Claims, 37 Environmental Law 543 (2017). Here is the abstract: For many consumers, the modern food label serves as the sole source of information regarding any individual food product. While it may be considered informative in some respects, it is often enigmatic in others. The present […]
According to a report by the Urban Institute. The report breaks down the data by county and other demographic data. AccountsRecovery.Net has a story here. Nearly half of consumers in Louisiana have a debt in collection.
Public Citizen today put out a short statement about gift cards and forced arbitration provisions, here.
Allison recently posted about the Trump administration's decision to rescind a Department of Transportation proposal requiring airlines to disclose baggage fees at the start of a ticket purchase. Two things that consumers can do. First, Kayak has what looks like a comprehensive chart of all fees — not just bag fees — for all airlines. Second, complain to DOT about the […]
Read this article on the topic by Kate Berry. The Hill has coverage too. Update: Read the AG's letter.