Before I head out of work for the evening, I thought you'd enjoy seeing this piece of good news out of the Obama White House this evening:
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the Obama administration will allow tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans to expire on schedule despite calls from a small but increasingly vocal group of Democrats to delay any tax increases.
Indeed, despite the likes of Conrad and others suggesting we should keep them going (despite being deficit hawks), the WH is refusing to budge on keeping tax cuts for the rich (while keeping them going for the middle-class):
Mr. Geithner said the White House will allow taxes on top earners to increase on Jan. 1, 2011, as part of an effort to help bring down the mounting budget deficit. He said the White House still plans to extend tax cuts for middle- and lower-income Americans and expects to undertake a broader tax overhaul next year.
"We believe it is appropriate to let those tax cuts that go to the most fortunate expire," Mr. Geithner said at a breakfast with reporters, hosted by the Christian Science Monitor.
You also have to enjoy this bit of "in yo' face" from Timmeh:
He also rejected concerns voiced by business groups and many Republicans that the administration's economic policies are creating uncertainty and holding back private investment. "Business always wants their taxes lower and always wants to live with less regulation," he said, adding that U.S. firms are "doing very well...competing around the world."
There is some good news to start your Thursday evening. Enjoy everyone!