WOW.... does Cantor FINALLY get it? The above statement should be plastered over every politicians desk, computer, car, office door etc...
The UNCERTAINTY is why businesses are sitting on so much cash and refusing to hire new employees.
As for the deal...
What I like....
1) Estate tax at 35% for estates over $5mm. Not only is that a reasonable rate, but also a reasonable exemption.
2) I like the fact they extended all tax brackets for two years in a down economy
3) I like the fact they extended the cap gains tax rates for the two years as well
What I don't like....
1) The reduction in payroll tax to replace the 'make work pay' credit. There is no reason to extend this to all income earners (vs. the $75k phase out for make work pay). IF every dollar of everyone's income was subject to the payroll tax, then I would be all for it. But everyone over the 106,800 doesn't pay the payroll tax on that income. That should be the level of phase out for the payroll tax deduction. In addition, SS is in trouble already. The last thing we should be doing is reducing the revenue to SS.
2) The tax bracket extensions should have been coupled with what will happen after the two years. ie... 'hey we are extending the cuts for two years, but after that time frame the highest tax brackets will increase and cap gains tax rate will also go back to 25%.' The result of the proposal (from what I have read) does not do this and thus simply pushes the problem/decision into the future.