The IRS is still working to clear the backlog of individual income tax returns. Individuals are required to file their income tax returns Monday.
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The TAKE with Rick Klein
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is the richest senator currently and controls the Senate GOP’s campaigns arm while building his political war chest.
Democrats want to make Scott and his plans well-known. The White House’s midterm messaging on tax season has a unique focus on Scott’s “Plan to Rescue America” planks that many Republicans want to stop talking about.
To supplement radio ads and mailings, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has billboards with Scott’s name on them in Florida and Wisconsin. The White House used the tax deadline to blast a statement stating that President Joe Biden wanted tax cuts for middle class families “while Congressional Republicans, headed by Senator Scott, propose big tax increases for middle-class families.”
On another wing, ex-President Donald Trump’s nominee for Senate in Ohio isn’t a fan. J.D. J.D.
Scott responded by saying that he would not raise taxes on those who pay them. He is still standing by his plans to ensure all American workers pay at minimum some taxes.
“People have been telling me all my life that I’m doing it wrong. Scott said this in a Washington Post story this week: “You can’t and you shouldn’t do this.”
Scott foresaw the bipartisan backlash, and has held it up to be an example of “Beltway cowardice.” Scott’s plan is more likely to be opposed by Republicans, who have plenty of things to run for this fall.
The RUNDOWN with Averi Harper
A federal judge in Florida overturned the CDC’s federal mandate to use public transportation with a mask within a matter of seconds.
Kathryn Mizelle, a U.S. District Court judge, ruled Monday that the mask mandate “exceeds CDC’s statutory power.” Although the CDC had extended the mandate to May 3rd, the ruling means that the Transportation Security Administration won’t enforce it.
It was so confusing that Jen Psaki, White House press secretary, couldn’t immediately inform reporters whether passengers would have to wear masks when they boarded flights.
Later, a White House official stated that the mandate would not be enforced and allowed travelers to travel maskless. The Association of Flight Attendants warned of the potential confusion this decision could create and the immediate consequences.
Sara Nelson, union president, stated that it was impossible to flip a switch in aviation operations from one minute to another.
As the rate of COVID-19 new infections continues to rise by 21%, the mandate was vacated. Although the ruling will likely be appealed by the White House, it will complicate its messaging regarding pandemic mitigation efforts.
Brittany Shepherd’s TIP
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on the verge of a major political win as his state legislature meets Tuesday to discuss and likely pass a redistricting plan that DeSantis (and his advisors) proposed.
Last week, DeSantis presented a heavily Republican-leaning map, creating 18 Republican-leaning, eight Democratic-leaning, and eight Republican-leaning seats. If passed, this would effectively end Democrats’ national redistricting advantage, and threaten the small majority that the party holds on the House of Representatives in November.
DeSantis’ proposal also removes a Black majority northern Florida district that the governor considered “racially biased” and divides Black voters in the Orlando area.
According to Equal Ground, a voting rights organization, speakers will assert that DeSantis or his legislature are actively working to take Floridians’ freedoms away by launching deliberate and uncalled-for attacks on Black voters’ representations in government.
DeSantis may be able to get his map through but it is not clear if it can withstand a challenge from the courts.
Only three states, Florida, New Hampshire, and Missouri have completed redistricting.
NUMBER OF DAY powered by FiveThirtyEight
109. This is the total number of Trump’s endorsed candidates for governor, federal office, or secretary of states as of April 17. According to FiveThirtyEight’s Nathaniel Rakich, Jean Yi, at least 78 believe the 2020 election was fraudulent. This is more than 70%, according our research. Endorsing candidates who believe “Big Lie” is a key part of Trump’s endorsement strategy. Learn more about Trump’s endorsements from Jean and Nathaniel.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW
Tomorrow morning, President Joe Biden will hold a video conference with allies in the Situation Room to discuss the war on Ukraine. It starts at 9:45 AM. At 11:40, he leaves the White House to travel to Portsmouth (New Hampshire) where he visits New Hampshire Port Authority at Portsmouth Harbor at at 1:55 pm. He then gives remarks at 2:45 on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
Jen Psaki Biden, White House Press Secretary, jokes about Air Force One’s journey to New Hampshire.
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