WeVote

Bill

Bill

S 173

Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Markey and 4 co-sponsors

Bill S 173 creates a temporary unemployment bridge program for job seekers and introduces a tax on digital ads to fund this support and boost economic recovery.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 173

Summary of Bill S 173

Bill Number: S 173
Title: Establishes an unemployment bridge program; establishes digital ad tax act; appropriation
Status: Referred to Finance
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 173 aims to address two significant issues: providing temporary financial support to unemployed individuals through an unemployment bridge program and establishing a new tax framework for digital advertising. The bill seeks to enhance economic stability for those affected by unemployment while generating revenue through the taxation of digital advertising platforms.

Key Provisions

Unemployment Bridge Program

  • Establishment: The bill proposes the creation of an unemployment bridge program designed to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who are unemployed.
  • Eligibility: Specific eligibility criteria will be outlined, likely focusing on individuals who have recently lost their jobs and are actively seeking new employment.
  • Duration of Benefits: The program will offer benefits for a defined period, ensuring that recipients have a safety net while they search for new job opportunities.

Digital Advertising Tax Act

  • Tax Implementation: The bill introduces a tax on digital advertising revenues generated by companies operating within the state.
  • Tax Rate: While the specific tax rate is not detailed in the provided information, it is expected to be structured to ensure fair contribution from large digital platforms.
  • Revenue Allocation: Funds generated from this tax will be appropriated to support the unemployment bridge program and potentially other state initiatives aimed at economic recovery.

Affected Parties

  • Unemployed Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of the unemployment bridge program will be individuals who are currently unemployed and in need of financial support.
  • Digital Advertising Companies: Companies that generate revenue from digital advertising will be subject to the new tax, potentially impacting their operational costs and pricing strategies.
  • State Budget: The bill's provisions will affect the state budget by reallocating funds to support unemployment benefits and other economic initiatives.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 08, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills S 8165 and S 3192, as well as companion bill A 3582, which may provide additional context or support for its provisions.

Conclusion

Bill S 173 represents a proactive approach to addressing unemployment challenges while also tapping into the growing digital economy through taxation. By establishing an unemployment bridge program and a digital ad tax, the bill aims to provide immediate support to those in need while creating a sustainable revenue source for the state. Further discussions and evaluations in the Finance Committee will determine the bill's future and potential modifications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.