Blue Press Journal

Tag: One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB)

  • How the GOP’s Favorite Law Is Coming Back to Bite Them

    by Winston Wendell

    When lawmakers Republicans and President Trump promoted the OBBB (One Big Beautiful Bill) law in the last year, they did so with great pride. However, one of the provisions in the law has proved to be a double-edged sword. Specifically, the gift of $70 billion in tax breaks to the data centers has caused serious issues for the ruling party.

    Aerial view of a technology campus with satellite dishes at sunset

    The OBBB act contains a provision called “Full expensing for certain business property”. The clause has proved to be a blessing for corporations that build data centers. It appears that this structural decision has made the politicians to face a backlash from the communities where data centers are being planned. A recent research conducted by the progressive think tank Data for Progress indicates that there is a serious issue brewing in communities across the U.S.

    The research involved a poll that was conducted among voters across the U.S. Based on the results, 69% of the respondents are opposed to the construction of data centers in their communities. Moreover, the majority of respondents from both political parties are concerned that the data centers’ infrastructure would pose a threat to the electrical grid.

    Democrats have compiled some damning advertisements directed against the Trump-supporting Republicans. The ads make it clear that the tax breaks for data centers have come at the expense of the consumers. One of the ads that targeted the governor of Wisconsin indicates that the voters should not be the ones to pay for the Trump agenda.

    It appears that the tax breaks for data centers were a blessing for the construction companies and tech giants. However, for the Republicans, their decision proved to be a liability as it impacted negatively the voters’ opinions about them.

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  • No, Trump Did Not End Taxes on Social Security, Yet another Lie

    Blue Press Journal – In recent months, President Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have claimed that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), signed into law in July, eliminated taxes on Social Security benefits. However, a review of the legislation — and independent fact‑checks — show that this is not true.

    What the OBBB Actually Did:
    The bill reduced the number of seniors who pay taxes on their Social Security benefits by raising the income thresholds at which those benefits become taxable. This means some retirees with modest incomes will no longer owe taxes on their Social Security. But for millions of Americans — particularly middle class and those with higher retirement incomes — taxes still apply. 

    The History of Social Security Taxes:
    Social Security benefits were not taxed at all until 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed bill that included taxing up to 50% of benefits for individuals earning above certain thresholds. In 1993 a law increasing the maximum taxable portion to 85% for higher‑income beneficiaries was passed. The OBBB did not repeal either of these taxation provisions; it simply adjusted the income thresholds upward.

    Expiration:
    The OBBB’s threshold increases are temporary. Unless Congress acts, they will revert to pre‑OBBB levels after the set expiration date.

    Social Security Benefit Taxation Thresholds

    Filing StatusPre‑OBBB Thresholds (1983–2024)OBBB Thresholds (2024–Expiration)Expiration Date
    Single$25,000 (up to 50% taxable), $34,000 (up to 85% taxable)$35,000 (up to 50%), $48,000 (up to 85%)12/31/2027
    Married Filing Jointly$32,000 (up to 50%), $44,000 (up to 85%)$45,000 (up to 50%), $60,000 (up to 85%)12/31/2027

    Bottom Line:
    Despite political claims, the OBBB did not eliminate taxes on Social Security. It temporarily raised the income thresholds, reducing the number of seniors affected, but millions still owe taxes on their benefits. Unless extended, the thresholds will revert after 2027, restoring the broader tax reach set by previous laws.