Essential workers — including truckers — would get a massive tax break under new bill

An Iowa lawmaker recently introduced legislation that would give big tax breaks to the essential workers who keep the country moving during the COVID-19 crisis.

On July 21, U.S. Senator Joni K. Ernst introduced the “Financial Relief Noting The Large Impact Of Our Nation’s Essential Employees Act” (or FRNT LINE Act), which would suspend federal income tax for essential workers up to an annual income cap. The bill would also suspend federal payroll tax for essential workers who earn up to $50,000 per year.

If the bill passes, the tax relief would begin on April 1, 2020 and will end on the date the federal emergency declaration is lifted, with an automatic sunset on December 31, 2020.

Ernst says that the tax relief is meant to reward and support workers who put themselves at risk during the pandemic.

“Our essential workers have risen to the challenge and continued in their daily jobs – to care for and protect Iowans, to produce and deliver food and essential goods, and to uphold our nation’s critical infrastructure throughout this pandemic,” said Senator Ernst. “These front line workers—our nurses, truck drivers, and grocery store workers, child care providers, and so many others—have kept life going and our supply chains intact. These men and women are putting the interests of their fellow Americans ahead of their own. Each and every morning they wake up and go to work, and they should be rewarded for their selfless service.”

You can view the full text of the bill here.