For another take on my debate with George Yin on whether temporary tax breaks are a good idea George) or not (me), take a look at economistmom, the new blog by former House Ways & Means Committee chief economist Diane Lim Rogers. She’s got a great anecdote about a conversation with a committee member during a late night markup of an extender bill.

Howard Gleckman continues to think that temporary tax cuts are no better than permanent ones from the standpoint of enhancing political accountability and fiscal restraint (“Tax Extenders and Fiscal Restraint,” May 22, 2008). So here’s some data.    more »

It was good to hear from University of Virginia tax professor and former Joint Tax Committee boss George Yin. George argues that temporary tax cuts are a good idea because they force Congress to consider the costs and benefits of these measures before renewing them. This reckoning, he says, imposes more political accountability on the system, not less.   more »

Howard Gleckman’s criticism of temporary legislation (“The Tax Extenders Ride Again,” May 20, 2008) overlooks the impact of Congressional budget rules. When such rules are considered, a change in law on a temporary (rather than permanent) basis increases political accountability and arguably enhances fiscal restraint.   more »

The other day, the House Ways & Means Committee routinely approved dozens and dozens of tax breaks. Hardly anyone even noticed.   more »