President Joe Biden could increase federal spending by 25 percent, is hiking corporate taxes and gas prices are at their highest in seven ...
President Joe Biden could increase federal spending by 25 percent, is hiking corporate taxes and gas prices are at their highest in seven years ahead of Memorial Day.
So when he stopped off in Cleveland to push his infrastructure bill and made an impromptu stop at an ice cream stand, a reporter decided to ask him what flavor he got.
'Chocolate, chocolate chip,' he answered after grinning for selfies at the Honey Hut Ice Cream store.
He made the stop after his speech at Cuyahoga Community College where he said the US had 'turned the tide' on the pandemic through vaccine distribution and economic recovery programs – and defended tax hikes in his upcoming budget.
The country has 'turned the tide on a once in a century pandemic,' Biden said in remarks at in Cleveland.
He was back in town after having to cancel a planned campaign rally last March as the pandemic raged and GOP Gov. Mike DeWine closed large events, a move Biden said was the 'right thing.'
President Joe Biden eats an ice cream at Honey Hut Ice Cream in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 27, 2021 after touting his economic plans. He told reporters that he ordered 'chocolate, chocolate chip'
Reporters and members of the Secret Service surround Biden as he poses for pictures with his ice cream and a boy
President Joe Biden said Thursday the country has 'turned the tide on a once in a century pandemic'
Biden walks up to the counter to order his scoop during his stop in Cleveland on Thursday
Biden reinforced the message on Twitter, writing: 'We’ve turned the tide on a once-in-a-generation economic crisis. And now we’re faced with a question: what kind of economy are we going to build for tomorrow?'
He also issued a defense of his tax hike proposals, which will be put out in detail along with their economic impacts in his budget proposal Friday, but which have failed to win over any Republican support in the Senate.
Senate Republicans put out their latest offer of nearly $1 trillion in infrastructure spending, but won't accept any of Biden's proposed tax hikes. Instead, they want to take funds from previously enacted coronavirus and economic relief.
He referenced the Trump tax cuts of 2017, which Senate Republicans are rallying to preserve, and appeared to reference ongoing infrastructure negotiations with Republicans.
'By the way, we had no problem passing a $2 trillion tax plan that went to the top 1 per cent that wasn’t paid for at all,' Biden said.
'Well, we’re going to take back some of that 1 per cent money and make them pay for it,' he vowed.
He also touted his plan to raise the corporate tax rate to 28 per cent, a proposal he has already offered to come down on.
President Joe Biden (C) speaks during a tour of the Cuyahoga Community College Manufacturing Technology Center, on May 27, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio
Biden looks at 3D printed objects during a tour of the Cuyahoga Community College Manufacturing Technology Center, where he touted his tax hike plans
'That generates $90 billion additional revenue into the treasury for a year. That could put hundreds of thousands of people to work,' he said.
He also touted a hike in the top individual income tax rate – 'allowing every student in America to go to community college for free,' he said.
'I don’t begrudge them the money they made. Just start paying your fair share. Just a little bit,' he said.
'You want to give the wealthiest people in America another tax cut?' he asked.
'I don’t begrudge them the money they made. Just start paying your fair share. Just a little bit,' he said.
He linked his economic plans to his COVID plan.
'You’ve got to fix the pandemic before you can fix the economy,' he said.
He once again pitched a $15 an hour federal minimum wage.
'No one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty,' he said.
Biden spoke about the state of the nation last summer.
'Ten months ago, we were in trouble. When I was sworn in, there were 10 million fewer jobs, a lot here in Ohio.
Biden also took on his 'Republican friends' in Congress who voted against his American Rescue Plan – but have not been shy about touting its benefits for small businesses in their districts.
'I'm not going to embarrass any one of them, but I have here a list of how back in their districts they're bragging about the rescue plan,' he said, earning laughs from a crowd.
'I mean, some people have no shame,' he said with a guffaw. 'But I'm happy. I'm happy they know that it benefitted their constituents.'
'That's okay with me. But if you're going to try and take credit for what you've done, don't get in the way of what we still need to do,' he continued. 'The bottom line is this: the Biden economic plan is working.'
His reluctance to share the information didn't keep him from holding up the card, which a New York Times photographer captured in detail. It listed Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and new House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, among others.
A pool reporter noted the president also purchased 50 orders for staff.
'No one should work 40 hours a week and live in poverty,' Biden said
No comments