Is This The Right Time For a Big Tax Cut?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell addressed a tax reform news conference on Capitol Hill last Thursday, alongside Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and representatives of small business group

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Republicans say the tax-cutting overhaul being debated in Congress will jump-start the U.S. economy, leading to a lot more investment and hiring by companies.

But some economists say the tax plans — which would sharply cut corporate and business taxes and eliminate numerous deductions for individuals — come at precisely the wrong time. Lower taxes could also be undercut by Federal Reserve policymakers, who are gradually raising interest rates, they say.

Tax cuts can be a good way to stimulate the economy when growth is slowing down, by encouraging businesses and people to keep spending when their finances are growing tighter.